Club Brugge head coach, Ivan Leko, has acknowledged that his side will need to adapt without Super Eagles star, Raphael Onyedika, for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff clash against Atletico Madrid.
The Nigeria’s midfielder will be sidelined due to suspension after receiving a booking in the 76th minute of Wednesday’s dramatic 3-3 draw at the Jan Breydelstadion.
Onyedika Sparks Comeback
Atletico Madrid had raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half, but Onyedika inspired the comeback after the interval.
The 24-year-old pulled one back in the 56th minute with a close-range strike, marking his ninth goal in 171 appearances for Club Brugge.
He also set up Christos Tzolis for the late equalizer, scored a minute from time.
Leko Rues Suspension
Reflecting on the absence of Onyedika, Leko said it will be a tough challenge for his team.
“We don’t have another Rapha, so we’ll have to find another solution. But that’s for next week; for now, we have to focus on our league match next Saturday.
“After that, the focus shifts to the second leg. We’re confident in our football and believe we can get a result there,” he told the club’s official website.
