Johnny Cardoso's stunner sends Atletico Madrid into Champions League last 16

Johnny Cardoso's first Atletico Madrid goal proved decisive as the USMNT midfielder fired a stunning half-volley to help his side win the Champions League second leg against Club Brugge and advance to the Round of 16. After a 3-3 first leg in Belgium, Atletico opened the match in Madrid through Alexander Sorloth in the 23rd minute.

Joel Ordonez levelled 13 minutes later, but Cardoso broke the deadlock three minutes after halftime with a strike from just outside the box — his first since joining Atletico this summer. Sorloth then added goals in the 72nd and 87th minutes to complete a 4-1 victory on the night and a 7-4 triumph on aggregate, sealing Atletico's place in the knockout round.

The goal is a timely boost for Cardoso, whose debut season in Madrid has been hampered by injury, limiting him to nine La Liga appearances; Tuesday's match was his fifth in the Champions League this season. It should strengthen his case with the USMNT as he vies for a World Cup spot, with March camp approaching.

Spain, Madrid

johnny cardoso, atletico madrid, club brugge, champions league, last 16, usmnt, alexander sorloth, joel ordonez, 7-4 aggregate, world cup