UEFA Champions League: Lookman’s Atlético matched by Onyedika and Club Brugge

Ademola Lookman continued his strong start with Atlético Madrid on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League while compatriot Raphael Onyedika scored for Club Brugge as the Spanish visitors were held to a 3-3 draw in their Round of 32, first leg draw.

Nigeria national team star attacker Lookman put his side up 2-0 just before halftime at the Jan Breydel Stadion when he got the final touch to a dangerous Julián Alvarez corner kick.

The lucrative acquisition from Atalanta now has three goals and two assists from his first five matches with the club from the Spanish capital. He previously played a major role last Thursday as Atléti thrashed Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

 

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But it was not entirely smooth sailing for the visitors, who endured a fighting effort that left the teams level at full time. Club Brugge fought back in the second half and it was Lookman’s Super Eagles teammate Onyedika who cut the deficit in half in the 52nd minute. After a corner kick led to a shot on target, the midfielder arrived to bundle in from close range to start the comeback effort.

Nicolo Tresoldi completed the comeback eight minutes later to pull the hosts level and there was still plenty of uncertainty for the final half hour of the first leg.

It appeared that the favorites from Spain would take a one-goal advantage back home. In the 79th minute, Marcos Llorente was played in down the right wing and his quick cross went to the far post where Joel Ordóñez’s clearance attempt went into his own goal.

To make matters worse for Brugge, Onyedika received a yellow card and will be suspended for the second leg in Spain. However, there was one more moment of joy in 89th minute and it was the Nigerian who set up Christos Tzolis for a massive equalizer to send the supporters home happy.

The two teams will meet again next Tuesday where Lookman and Atléti will be favorites to advance to the Champions League’s Round of 16. A scrappy Brugge side will be eager to upset the odds away from home.