Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika impressed as Club Brugge began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over AS Monaco at the Jan Breydelstadion.
Brugge, who came into the tie winless in their last two matches, were ruthless in attack and went into the break 3-0 up thanks to goals from Nicolo Tresoldi, Onyedika, and captain Hans Vanaken.
Monaco could have taken an early lead when Simon Mignolet brought down Mika Biereth in the box, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself by saving Maghnes Akliouche’s penalty.
Moments later, however, the 36-year-old was forced off with a groin injury, replaced by Nordin Jackers.
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika. Photo Credit: Club Brugge/X
Tresoldi opened the scoring on his Champions League debut after 32 minutes, before Onyedika bundled home from close range nine minutes later. Vanaken then struck powerfully just before half-time to extend the lead.
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Despite second-half changes, including the introduction of Nigerian-eligible forward George Illenikhena, Monaco could not recover.
Mamadou Diakhon netted a debut goal in the 75th minute to make it 4-0, before substitute Ansu Fati grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.
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Brugge’s emphatic win puts them in a strong early position in their group, with Onyedika’s performance a major highlight for the Belgian champions.
