Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman scored while midfielder Raphael Onyedika also found the net and provided an assist as Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in the first leg of their knockout phase play-off clash on Wednesday.
Lookman and Onyedika started the game for their respective clubs, and were impressive, with the winger scoring Atletico’s second goal in the first half, before the midfielder found the net minutes into the second half to inspire a comeback.
Atletico thought they had won the game after an own goal in the 79th minute, but Onyedika assisted Tzolis to find a late equaliser, as both sides settled for a draw.
The visitors made a fast start to the game and were rewarded in the eighth minute as they were awarded an early penalty after a VAR check. Julian Alvarez stepped up and fired the resulting spot kick into the bottom right corner, making it 1-0.
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Club Brugge wanted a penalty of their own in the 22nd minute after the ball came off Koke’s arm, but the Belgian side did not receive one, with Brugge coach Ivan Leko getting a yellow card for his protests.
Onyedika came close to leveling the score line in the 38th minute as he tested Oblak from range. However, the goalkeeper was well up to the task, making his save look comfortable.
Few seconds to half-time, Atletico Madrid doubled their advantage as Llorente’s corner was flicked on by Griezmann to Lookman at the back post, who poked the ball home to make it 2-0.
Despite the late setback before the break, Club Brugge started the second half on the front foot and deservedly got a goal back six minutes in. Onyedika was the quickest to react after a wonderful save from Oblak, scoring from close range to reduce the deficit.
The hosts leveled the score line 10 minutes later, stunning Atletico. Winger Mamadou Diakhon showed his pace and skill to beat Giuliano Simeone before firing a low cross into the area. Nicolo Tresoldi was at the right place at the right time, tapping home from close range to make it 2-2.
Immediately after the goal, Simeone made two changes, removing Lookman and Griezmann for Álex Baena and Alexander Sørloth. The latter almost made an instant impact, as he hit the woodwork just few minutes after coming in.
Atletico regained their lead in the 79th minute as Joel Ordonez diverted the ball into his own net while trying to knock it out for a corner, giving the Spanish giants a crucial advantage.
Ivan Leko made multiple substitutions as Club Brugge pushed for a late equaliser. In the 89th minute, the hosts found a way back as Onyedika added an assist to his earlier goal, finding Christos Tzolis who scored to make it 3-3.
With the tie delicately poised, there will be all to play for in the second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with the winner of that clash progressing to the round of 16.
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