Ivan Leko seeking solutions following Raphael Onyedika suspension

Ivan Leko, head coach of Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge, believes a solution will be found despite his dissatisfaction over Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika’s upcoming suspension for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie against Atletico Madrid.

​Onyedika was booked in the 76th minute of Club Brugge’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Diego Simeone’s side at the Jan Breydelstadion on Wednesday.

🔥🚨 Raphael Onyedika’s MASTERCLASS vs Atletico Madrid:

• 1 goal
• 1 assist
• 2 big chances created
• 88 touches
• 13 passes into the final third
• 5 accurate long balls
• 2 tackles
• 7 recoveries pic.twitter.com/6rprc3sENn

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) February 18, 2026

The caution triggers a mandatory suspension for the return leg.

​A standout performance – Raphael Onyedika

​The 24-year-old Nigerian led the charge to bring Brugge back into the game after Atletico Madrid took a 2-0 lead in the first half.

Onyedika reduced the deficit in the 56th minute with a clinical close-range effort and later teed up Christos Tzolis for Club Brugge’s third goal just one minute from time.

​Leko rues loss of key midfielder – Raphael Onyedika

​Quoted by the club’s official website, Leko admitted playing without Onyedika in the second leg would be a significant challenge, but emphasized that the team must adapt.

“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.”

The reverse fixture is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Metropolitano Stadium in Spain.