Club Brugge head coach Ivan Leko has conceded that replacing Raphael Onyedika will not be straightforward ahead of the Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Onyedika was instrumental in the first leg at Jan Breydel Stadium, scoring and registering an assist in a 3-3 draw.
However, a 76th-minute booking ruled him out of the return fixture at the Wanda Metropolitano due to suspension.
No like-for-like solution
Leko admitted the squad lacks a direct replacement for the Nigerian midfielder’s profile.
“It’s difficult to replace him one-on-one. We don’t immediately have the same profile in our squad,” the Croatian said, according to HLN. “We have three or four options in mind. I’ll first talk to the players about what and how.”
Onyedika’s blend of defensive cover, ball progression and late attacking runs was central to Brugge’s performance in the first leg.
High-stakes second leg
The Belgian side travel to Madrid needing another disciplined and efficient performance to secure a place in the Round of 16.
Without one of their most influential midfielders, good tactics and in-game management will be key.