Johnny Cardoso’s first goal for Atletico Madrid proved crucial in the Spanish club’s advancement in the UEFA Champions League. Cardoso scored the series decider in Tuesday’s 4-1 second leg victory over Belgian visitors Club Brugge. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder played 83 minutes in the match, delivering a second-consecutive start in the process across multiple competitions.“I always dreamed about nights like this, playing in the Champions League at home with these fans, scoring a goal and getting the win,” Cardoso said in a postmatch club interview. “It was perfect.”Alexander Sorloth boosted Diego Simeone’s squad in front 1-0 after 23 minutes but Joel Ordonez would draw Club Brugge level before halftime. Cardoso reclaimed Atletico Madrid’s lead two minutes into the second half, stroking home a powerful shot into the bottom-left corner. It marked the New Jersey native’s first goal at club level since scoring for Real Betis on April 21, 2025. Johnny Cardoso's first goal for Atlético Madrid is a BEAUTY pic.twitter.com/TDczQgmeky— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 24, 2026Sorloth would add his second goal of the night in the 76th minute before capping off his hat trick and the series 11 minutes later. In addition to his goal, Cardoso also made five interceptions, won three duels, and completed two dribble attempts in midfield. Atletico Madrid will next face off with Liverpool or Tottenham in the quarterfinal round in March. As for Cardoso, he will prepare to make his third-straight start on Saturday when Atletico Madrid visits Real Oviedo in La Liga action.