Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was on target and delivered an impressive performance as Club Brugge thrashed AS Monaco 4-1 in their UEFA Champions League opener at the Jan Breydelstadion on Wednesday night, Bold Sports reports.
Despite arriving winless in their previous two fixtures, Brugge were ruthless in attack, racing into a 3-0 first-half lead through Nicolo Tresoldi, Onyedika, and Hans Vanaken before Mamadou Diakhon added a fourth after the break.
Monaco had an early chance to seize control when Simon Mignolet fouled Mika Biereth inside the box, but the veteran goalkeeper redeemed himself by saving Maghnes Akliouche’s penalty. Moments later, however, Mignolet picked up a groin injury and was replaced by Nordin Jackers.
After several missed opportunities, Club Brugge eventually found their breakthrough in the 32nd minute as Nicolo Tresoldi marked his Champions League debut with a fine finish.
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Raphael Onyedika doubled the lead nine minutes later, bundling home from close range after a scramble in the box. Captain Vanaken then struck a powerful effort in the 42nd minute to put the game beyond Monaco before halftime.
The French side introduced several substitutes, including Nigerian-eligible forward George Illenikhena, in a bid to mount a comeback, but it was Club Brugge who struck again as Mamadou Diakhon scored on his Champions League debut in the 75th minute to increase the lead to four.
Ansu Fati’s late consolation goal softened the scoreline for Monaco, but it did little to dampen Club Brugge’s celebrations as they kicked off their campaign in style in front of their home supporters.
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