Midfielder Announces Himself on the Champions League Stage
Johnny Cardoso scored his first goal for Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, a crucial strike that helped propel Diego Simeone's side to a 4-1 win over Club Brugge and a 7-4 aggregate victory in the Champions League knockout playoffs.
Three minutes into the second half, with the score level at 1-1 on the night, Cardoso collected a headed clearance outside the box and, after a quick touch, unleashed a powerful half-volley that whistled into the bottom-left corner past goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. The goal gave Atlético a 2-1 lead on the night and a 5-4 edge on aggregate, effectively swinging the tie in their favor. Alexander Sørloth went on to complete a hat trick as Atlético pulled away.
"I always dreamed about nights like this," Cardoso told Movistar after the match, "playing in the Champions League at home with these fans, scoring a goal and getting the win."
It has been a frustrating debut season for Cardoso in Madrid. After joining from Real Betis last summer, an ankle injury in September sidelined him for six weeks and disrupted his ability to establish himself in Simeone's midfield, leaving him with just 19 appearances so far. Tuesday marked a turning point. "I had problems with injuries at the beginning," he said, "but I know what I can contribute to the team, and now I feel good."
The goal couldn't come at a better time for his World Cup prospects either. With the tournament set to be played on home soil this summer, Cardoso will be eager to make USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino's final roster and performances like Tuesday's make a compelling case.
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