Champions League: Atletico advance, Inter eliminated

KATHMANDU: Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after defeating Club Brugge 4–1 in the second leg of the play-off round at the Estadio Metropolitano.

The Spanish side advanced 7–4 on aggregate.

Alexander Sørloth was the hero of the night, scoring a hat-trick. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute to give Atlético the lead, but Joel Ordóñez equalised for Club Brugge with a header in the 36th minute to make it 1–1.

Early in the second half, Johnny Cardoso restored Atlético’s advantage in the 48th minute. Sørloth then struck again in the 76th minute and completed his hat-trick with another goal in the 87th minute to seal a dominant home victory.

Historic Night for Bodø/Glimt as Inter Knocked Out

Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt produced a sensational result in the UEFA Champions League, eliminating last season’s runners-up Inter Milan to reach the last 16 for the first time in their history.

Bodø/Glimt won the second leg 2–1 on Tuesday at the San Siro, having already claimed a 3–1 victory in the first leg, and progressed 5–2 on aggregate.

Jens Petter Hauge starred for the Norwegian side, scoring one goal and providing an assist. He put Bodø/Glimt ahead in the 58th minute, before Håkon Evjen doubled the lead in the 72nd minute. Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni pulled one back in the 77th minute, but it was not enough to mount a comeback.

Inter Milan, three-time Champions League winners and current leaders of Serie A with a 10-point advantage, had been widely considered strong favourites to progress. However, Bodø/Glimt continued their impressive Champions League run, having already defeated Manchester City and Atlético Madrid earlier in the competition.

Bodø/Glimt will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the round of 16.

Newcastle and Leverkusen Also Through

Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen also secured their places in the UEFA Champions League last 16.