Cardoso nets inaugural Champions League goal during ‘ideal’ evening.
United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso stated he experienced a “perfect” evening on Tuesday after netting a goal in Atlético Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Club Brugge in the second leg of their Champions League playoff, allowing the LaLiga team to advance to the round of 16.
Cardoso’s goal in the 48th minute — a strike from outside the penalty area — gave Atlético a 2-1 lead at the Metropolitano, before forward Alexander Sørloth completed a hat trick, leading the home team to a 7-4 aggregate triumph.
This season has been challenging for Cardoso, who joined Atlético from Real Betis in July 2025, as he has been limited to just 203 minutes of play in the Champions League due to injuries.
Tuesday marked his first goal for Atlético.
“I have always envisioned nights like this, playing in the Champions League at home with these supporters, scoring a goal, and achieving victory,” he told Movistar on Tuesday. “It was perfect.”
Cardoso dealt with an ankle injury in September that sidelined him for six weeks, and he has struggled to secure a consistent position in Atlético’s midfield since then.
“I feel good,” the midfielder remarked. “I encountered injury issues at the start, and I haven’t had many before. It wasn’t the beginning I desired, but I understand what I can bring to the team, and now I feel well. I have the backing of all the staff and players; they have supported me.”
Atlético has had a mixed performance in the 2025-26 season, achieving significant victories — including a 4-0 win against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey earlier this month — but currently find themselves 13 points behind the leaders in the LaLiga standings.
They are set to face Barça in the second leg of their cup semifinal next week, while in the Champions League round of 16, Friday’s draw will determine whether they will play against Tottenham or Liverpool.
