September 18, (THEWILL) — Raphael Onyedika contributed to a commanding Club Brugge performance that saw the Belgian side thrash Monaco 4-1 in their UEFA Champions League opener at Jan Breydelstadion. The midfielder’s strike formed part of a devastating three-goal salvo within 10 minutes that left Monaco reeling before the interval.
The opening period proved chaotic for both sides, with goalkeepers taking centre stage early on. Simon Mignolet endured an extraordinary 17 minutes, giving away and then saving a penalty, receiving a yellow card for confronting the referee, before departing with a groin injury. His counterpart Philipp Kohn faced a barrage of 17 shots throughout the match.
Nicolo Tresoldi broke the deadlock with a neat finish past the overworked Monaco goalkeeper. Nigerian midfielder Onyedika doubled the advantage moments later, capitalising on poor defensive marking to poke home from close range. Hans Vanaken then completed the first-half rout with a spectacular volley that flew into the top corner.
Monaco, led by captain Eric Dier, offered more resistance after the break but struggled to create clear opportunities against replacement keeper Nordin Jackers. French teenager Mamadou Diakhon extended Club Brugge’s lead with a fierce fourth goal, before Ansu Fati grabbed a consolation strike on his Monaco debut during stoppage time.
Nicky Hayen’s charges now prepare for their next European test against Atalanta on September 30, having had an impressive run to the last 16 in the previous campaign. Monaco, meanwhile, faces the daunting prospect of hosting Manchester City in their upcoming UCL fixture after the English side beat Italian champions Napoli 2-nil at home.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
