Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko has voiced concern over the absence of Raphael Onyedika in their decisive UEFA Champions League playoff second leg against Atletico Madrid. The midfielder will miss the clash after picking up a booking late in the first leg encounter.
Onyedika received the caution in the 76th minute of the dramatic 3–3 draw with Diego Simeone’s side at Jan Breydelstadion on Wednesday. Despite the booking, the Nigerian delivered an outstanding performance that kept his team competitive throughout the match.
The 24-year-old opened the scoring for Brugge and later provided the assist for Christos Tzolis’s late equaliser. His influence in midfield proved crucial, making his suspension a major setback as the Belgian club prepares for the decisive return fixture.
Leko admitted his side must quickly adjust tactics ahead of Tuesday’s showdown at Metropolitano Stadium. He stressed that replacing Onyedika will not be easy, noting the team lacks another player with the same qualities and impact.
