Ademola Lookman made a decisive impact off the bench as Atlético Madrid secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Club Brugge KV in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to advance to the round of 16.
The tie had been evenly balanced after a 3-3 draw in the first leg, leaving both sides with everything to play for in Madrid. Atletico started strongly and opened the scoring in the 25th minute after a swift counter attack. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak initiated the move with quick distribution, and Alexander Sorloth applied a composed left footed finish inside the box to give the hosts the lead.
Club Brugge responded in the 36th minute when Joel Ordonez headed home from close range following a corner to level the score at 1 1 and increase the tension inside the stadium.
Early in the second half, Atletico regained control. In the 48th minute, a shot from outside the area following a corner found the net to restore the home side’s advantage at 2 1.
Ademola Lookman was introduced in the 70th minute in place of Alejandro Baena to inject pace into Atletico’s attack. Shortly afterwards, Nahuel Molina replaced Koke as Diego Simeone adjusted his side. A brief altercation in the penalty area led to a potential spot kick, but VAR ruled out the claim and Atletico maintained their lead.
The Nigerian forward played a key role in the third goal in the 76th minute. Sorloth combined with Antoine Griezmann before the ball was worked to Lookman, who delivered a precise pass to set up Sorloth for a clinical finish inside the box. The goal left the visitors struggling to recover.
Atletico sealed the result in the 85th minute when Sorloth completed his hat trick with a close range right footed finish from a corner assisted by Matteo Ruggeri. The treble made him the first Atletico Madrid player to score a hat trick in a UEFA Champions League knockout match.
Ademola Lookman finished with one shot, completed five of his six passes and recorded nine touches, alongside his crucial assist. Club Brugge were without Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika, who was suspended for the second leg after contributing a goal and an assist in the first meeting. Atletico Madrid will learn their round of 16 opponents on Friday as they continue their Champions League journey.
