Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has acknowledged that the absence of Raphael Onyedika played a part in Club Brugge’s 4-1 defeat to his side in the UEFA Champions League.
Atlético’s victory at the Metropolitano sealed a 7-4 aggregate win in the Round of 16 playoff, following a 3-3 draw in Belgium.
While the Spanish side were clinical in the second leg, Brugge competed for long stretches before fading late in the contest.
Key absentee in midfield
Onyedika, suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, was unavailable for the trip to Madrid. The Nigerian midfielder had been influential in the first leg, scoring once and providing an assist as Brugge matched Atlético’s intensity in a high-tempo encounter.
His physical presence and ball-winning ability were central to Brugge’s midfield structure in that match.
Without him, head coach Ivan Leko reshuffled his options in an attempt to maintain balance against Atlético’s pressing and transitions.
Simeone, speaking after the match, made specific reference to the missing midfielder.
“I like the team [Club Brugge]; they’re young, with very good midfielders,” he said. “Onyedika was missing.”
Clinical edge proves decisive
Despite Brugge’s organisation and spells of possession, Atlético capitalised on key moments, particularly in the second half.
Their efficiency in front of goal ultimately separated the sides and underlined the fine margins at this level.
The Belgian side exit the competition having shown strong form across the two legs but unable to contain Atlético’s attacking quality over 180 minutes.