The UEFA Champions League playoff first-leg clash between Club Brugge and Atlético Madrid delivered a thrilling spectacle, ending in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
The encounter was highlighted by an impressive battle between two Nigerian stars, Raphael Onyedika and Ademola Lookman, both of whom played pivotal roles for their respective sides.
Atlético Madrid made a bright start and took the lead as early as the eighth minute. Julián Álvarez calmly converted from the penalty spot to put the visitors ahead.
The Spanish side doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time through Lookman, who marked his first start in the competition with his maiden UEFA Champions League goal for Atlético.
The move began with a well-delivered corner from Marcos Llorente.
Antoine Griezmann flicked the ball into Lookman’s path, and the Nigerian forward showed sharp awareness and composure, beating his marker before directing the ball into the net with his knee.
Club Brugge responded strongly after the break.
Just six minutes into the second half, Onyedika gave the Belgian side hope.
After Jan Oblak saved a header from Nicolò Tresoldi, the 24-year-old midfielder reacted quickest to the loose ball and fired home from close range.
The equaliser came in the 60th minute. Tresoldi made amends by finishing off a precise cross from Mamadou Diakhon, finding space inside the box before confidently slotting the ball past Oblak.
Atlético regained the lead in the 79th minute when Joel Ordóñez inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
However, the drama was far from over. Ten minutes later, Club Brugge drew level for the third time, with Onyedika once again at the heart of the action.
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Spotting Christos Tzolis in space, he delivered a perfectly weighted pass that allowed the forward to compose himself and finish clinically past Oblak.
It was a high-quality contest that showcased the immense talent Nigeria continues to produce on the European stage.
Both Onyedika and Lookman demonstrated their class and influence.
The second leg will take place in Madrid on February 24, where both players are expected to feature prominently once again.
