‘It was Onyedika’ – Former Gent coach questions UEFA's Player of the Match award

Club Brugge secured a dominant 4-1 victory over the French side, with Nigerian international Raphael Onyedika scoring a goal in the game.

Following the match at Jan Breydel Stadium, UEFA's Technical Observer Group awarded the honour to Hans Vanaken.

They explained that his goal, assist, leadership and commanding influence in midfield helped his team seal the win.

Following the decision, Vanhaezebrouck argued that Onyedika was the more deserving candidate for the award.

"Vanaken certainly deserves it, but for me, it was Onyedika. He was fantastic," Vanhaezebrouck told Het Nieuwsblad.

"Onyedika wasn't given any space, but he always managed to get free. Everything started with him, and he always opted for verticality."

While Club Brugge celebrated a good start to their UEFA Champions League campaign, Onyedika's frustrated reaction to being substituted in the 81st minute somewhat soured the occasion.

Visibly annoyed by the decision, the Super Eagles midfielder went straight to the bench without shaking hands with his replacement, Lynnt Audoor.

Commenting on the incident, Vanhaezebrouck suggested the situation could have been handled better. "It's a shame about that substitution. The fact that he didn't greet Audoor came across badly," he noted. 

"But that could have been avoided by telling him just before his substitution that it would be a standing ovation."