Atlético Madrid booked their place within the UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16 in model on Tuesday evening, cruising to a 4–1 win over Membership Brugge on the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to seal a 7–4 mixture victory.
After a dramatic 3–3 attract Belgium, Diego Simeone’s facet got here out ruthless at dwelling, with Alexander Sørloth stealing the highlight. The Norwegian striker was merely unstoppable, firing in an excellent hat-trick to energy Atlético previous Brugge and underline his rising significance within the large moments.
The win sparked celebrations among the many Atleti devoted, with followers fast to reward the group’s character and depth. Kay wrote,
“You guys have finished effectively tonight, on to the Spherical of 16 👏,”
capturing the temper across the stadium and on-line as Atlético secured one other European knockout run.
Ademola Lookman’s affect was additionally broadly acknowledged as soon as once more. Since arriving from Atalanta in January, the Nigerian ahead has injected recent vitality into Simeone’s assault. He discovered the online within the first leg and performed a key position within the second-leg efficiency, with Soccer with me noting,
“Lookman has modified the match and Oblak is a wall for the group,”
highlighting each Lookman’s affect and Jan Oblak’s commanding presence on the again.
This European momentum follows Atlético’s gorgeous 4–0 demolition of Barcelona within the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg earlier this month, the place Lookman marked his dwelling debut with a objective and an help. The January signing has shortly grow to be a fan favorite, contributing objectives and assists throughout La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey since arriving in Madrid.
Past the outcomes, followers proceed to specific deep loyalty to Diego Simeone, whose long-term legacy on the membership stays a relentless speaking level. One emotional message summed it up completely:
“The day Diego Simeone decides to go away, my calendar will likely be free. Solely to look at his send-off.”
With Atlético now by way of to the Spherical of 16 and set to face both Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur, confidence is constructing quick. As softfootball and different shops have famous, the “Lookman impact” has revitalised Atlético’s season — and with Sørloth in deadly kind, Simeone’s males are beginning to appear like severe contenders on the European stage as soon as once more.
