‘We don't have another Rapha’ — Club boss bemoans suspension of Super Eagles star

Raphael Onyedika was at the heart of a stunning comeback for Club Brugge, but will now miss the decisive second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Head coach Ivan Leko has admitted his side face a major challenge without the influential midfielder.

Blauw-Zwart endured a nightmare start at the Jan Breydelstadion as Diego Simeone’s men raced into a two-goal lead. Julián Alvarez converted an early penalty before Ademola Lookman doubled the advantage just before half-time.

However, Club Brugge emerged from the break with renewed intensity. Onyedika pulled one back seven minutes into the second half and later provided the pre-assist for Nicolo Tresoldi’s strike.

The Nigerian midfielder also turned provider for Christos Tzolis in the 89th minute, completing a dramatic 2-2 comeback ahead of the return leg in Spain.

Despite the spirited fightback, Leko admitted mixed feelings about the result, saying, “I’m very happy, but not with the result. If you are 0-2 behind at halftime against such a team, you know that it can be 0-3 or 0-4,” he said, praising his team’s mentality and fighting spirit.

The joy of the comeback was tempered by the news that Onyedika will miss the second leg after picking up a yellow card in the 79th minute.

“We don’t have another Rapha, so we’re going to have to find another solution. But that's for next week,” Leko admitted.

Club Brugge, currently third in the Belgian Pro League and three points behind leaders Union St. Gilloise, must now regroup quickly.

While Leko remains confident his side can get a result in Spain, replacing the dynamic influence of Onyedika will be no easy task.