Raphael Onyedika has remained optimistic despite Club Brugge’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday night.
SoftFootball gathered that the Nigerian midfielder played the entire match as the Belgian champions produced a spirited display at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
Club Brugge recovered from an early setback to level the score before conceding twice in the closing stages, leaving them with a difficult task ahead of the return leg at Villa Park.
Speaking after the game, Onyedika admitted the late collapse was frustrating but insisted his side gave everything against the Premier League outfit.
It was a tough conclusion for us. The result was heading in the right direction, so it was tough for us at the end. We did our best. In this competition you have to be at your best.
Leon Bailey put Aston Villa in front before Maxim De Cuyper equalised for the hosts. However, Brandon Mechele’s unfortunate own goal and Marco Asensio’s late penalty gave Unai Emery’s side a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg.
Despite the setback, Onyedika remains confident Club Brugge can still put up a strong fight and keep their Champions League hopes alive when they travel to England.
