Super Eagles star Raphael Onyedika made the biggest stage his own on Thursday night, scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal of the season as Club Brugge cruised to a commanding 4-1 win over Monaco at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

The Nigerian midfielder struck Brugge’s second goal of the night in the 34th minute, capping a dominant first-half display in which the Belgian side scored three times, Footballrover reports.

Raphael Onyedika powers Brugge past Monaco

Brugge’s intensity stunned the French side, who never recovered from the early onslaught.

The 24-year-old, now in his fourth season at the club, has also recorded an assist in 13 appearances this campaign.

Since joining from FC Midtjylland, Onyedika has delivered 11 direct goal contributions — seven goals and four assists — in 153 matches for Brugge, and he looks set to add more this season.

Onyedika lasted 81 minutes before being replaced by Lynnt Audoor, while his compatriot George Ilenikhena entered the fray for Monaco in the 63rd minute with the damage already done.

Brugge’s UCL blitz stuns Monaco

Club Brugge began their group-stage campaign in emphatic fashion, carrying the momentum from their qualification win over Rangers.

Carlos Forbs almost opened the scoring early, but Christos Tzolis missed a golden chance from close range.

Monaco were gifted a penalty on their first attack after Simon Mignolet brought down Mika Biereth.

However, the veteran goalkeeper redeemed himself with a superb save to deny Maghnes Akliouche.

Minutes later, Mignolet was forced off injured, but Brugge responded in style.

Nicolò Tresoldi struck the opener on his UCL debut in the 32nd minute, finishing coolly from Hans Vanaken’s pass.

Two minutes later, Onyedika powered home from a corner to double the lead, before Vanaken volleyed in a third just before halftime.

Brugge managed the second half with control, and Mamadou Diakhon sealed the rout with a late strike.

Ansu Fati pulled one back for the Ligue 1 team, but it was only a consolation on a bruising night for Adi Hütter’s side.

With this win, Brugge extended their unbeaten home run to seven matches (W6, D1) and head into their next Champions League clash against Atalanta full of confidence.

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Last Updated on September 18, 2025 9:46 pm by footballrover