Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika returned from injury as Club Brugge suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.
Onyedika had missed Brugge’s previous two matches through injury but was restored to the starting line-up for the crucial European encounter. The Nigerian midfielder featured until stoppage time before being replaced by Hugo Vetlesen.
Softfootball understands the 23-year-old has been a key figure for the Belgian champions throughout their Champions League campaign this season.
Aston Villa made a dream start to the contest, with Leon Bailey firing the visitors into the lead just three minutes after kick-off.
Club Brugge responded positively and restored parity nine minutes later through Maxim De Cuyper, raising hopes of a positive result for the home side.
However, the Belgian outfit endured a difficult finish to the match. Brandon Mechele turned the ball into his own net before Christos Tzolis conceded a late penalty, which Marco Asensio calmly converted to hand Villa a commanding advantage.
Club Brugge will now travel to Villa Park for the return leg in eight days, hoping to overturn the two-goal deficit and keep their Champions League dream alive.
