Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika made his presence felt as Club Brugge defeated RB Salzburg 3-2 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate to progress to the final qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, where they will face Rangers.
The Belgian side came from behind after a first-leg scare. Salzburg opened the scoring through Jacob Rasmussen in the 18th minute, leveling the aggregate.
Two minutes before halftime, 19-year-old Ghanaian talent Edmund Baidoo put the Austrian side ahead for the first time on aggregate.
Joaquin Seys equalized just after the hour mark. Both teams pushed hard for the winner, but it was Brugge who found the breakthrough — seven minutes from time, Carlos Forbs scored a screamer from the right side of the box, leaving Alexander Schlager no chance.
Hans Vanaken sealed the win in stoppage time with a spectacular long-range goal, burying the tie for Club Brugge.
The win brings Club Brugge one step closer to the Champions League group phase.
Onyedika played a key role across both legs, standing out with a dominant performance in the middle of the pack.
The 24-year-old played 191 minutes over the two matches and was substituted in the 96th minute of the second leg after Brugge had already sealed the win.
Onyedika completed 50 of 54 attempted passes, including seven into the final third.
He had a 100% success rate in dribbles, created two chances, made eight ball recoveries, and produced a crucial block that could have led to a goal.
