Onyedika, Lookman On Target As Atletico Madrid Struggle Against Club Brugge, Other Results

Two Nigerians took centre stage on a chaotic Champions League night in Belgium as Raphael Onyedika and Ademola Lookman both found the net in a dramatic 3-3 draw between Club Brugge and Atlético Madrid.

With a place in the last 16 hanging in the balance, the first leg of the play-off delivered twists, controversy and late heartbreak. At the heart of it all were Onyedika and Lookman, whose goals ensured Nigerian interest ran deep throughout the game.

Lookman, who has settled quickly since his January arrival in Madrid, struck first among the duo. The forward reacted sharply inside the box just before the break, turning home from close range after Antoine Griezmann glanced on Julian Alvarez’s corner. It put Atletico 2-0 ahead and, for a moment, seemed to silence the Jan Breydel Stadium.

Earlier, Alvarez had opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Joaquin Seys handled inside the area.

The Argentine dispatched his effort confidently, putting behind him the memory of last season’s controversial double-touch incident against Real Madrid that ended Atletico’s European hopes.

But if Lookman’s goal looked like a decisive blow, Onyedika had other ideas. The Super Eagles midfielder was lively throughout and pulled one back for Brugge in the 52nd minute.

After Jan Oblak produced a fine save to deny Nicolo Tresoldi’s header, Onyedika was quickest to react, tapping into an unguarded net and igniting belief among the home supporters.

Brugge rode that wave of momentum. Tresoldi soon levelled the tie on the hour mark, steering in from Mamadou Diakhon’s cross as Atletico’s defence wobbled.

The Spanish side regained the lead when Joel Ordonez diverted the ball into his own net under pressure, but the drama was far from over. Deep into stoppage time, Christos Tzolis raced clear and finished coolly. The effort was initially ruled out for offside before a VAR check overturned the decision, sealing a breathless draw.

Other Champions League Results of the Playoffs Played On Wednesday, February 18:

Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Atalanta

Qarabag FK 1-6 Newcastle United

Olympiacos 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen

Bodø/Glimt 3-1 Inter Milan

Club Brugge 3-3 Atlético Madrid