UCL: Onyedika returns in Brugge’s last-16 clash
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika made his return to Club Brugge’s lineup for their UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg encounter against Aston Villa, offering a glimmer of hope for the Belgian side despite a challenging 3-1 defeat.
The match proved to be a difficult evening for Brugge, with Leon Bailey opening the scoring early for Villa with a stunning half-volley just two minutes and 15 seconds into the game.
Maxim de Cuyper briefly equalised for the home side, but Villa ultimately secured a commanding victory with late goals from an own goal by Brandon Mechele and a Marco Asensio penalty.
Onyedika’s return was a significant moment for both Club Brugge and the Nigerian national team, coming after a period of injury that had raised concerns about his fitness.
The midfielder, who had previously scored his first UEFA Champions League goal against Manchester City in the group stage, will be crucial for Brugge’s hopes of a comeback in the return leg.
The match at the Jan Breydel Stadium saw Villa take a substantial advantage back to Birmingham, with the return leg scheduled for Wednesday, March 12th.
Brugge struggled to contain the Premier League side, with chances from captain Hans Vanaken and Christos Tzolis going begging before Villa’s late goals sealed the result.
For Onyedika, the match represented an important comeback after his recent injury concerns. His return to the lineup will be particularly significant given his importance to both Club Brugge and the Super Eagles, especially with the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
The defeat leaves Club Brugge with a mountain to climb in the second leg, needing to overturn a two-goal deficit against a Villa side that looked composed and clinical in Belgium.
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