Club Brugge get solution to Raphael Onyedika problem ahead of Atletico Madrid battle

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika will be unavailable for Club Brugge when they face Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Metropolitano on Tuesday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Onyedika was ruled out of the second leg after receiving a yellow card for a foul on Marcos Llorente during the reverse fixture.

He was undoubtedly one of the best players on the pitch that night, stamping his authority in the middle of the park and dictating the tempo. Crucially, he also netted a vital goal to ensure the match ended in a 3-3 draw.

​His commanding performance against Atleti was a prime example of the consistency he brings to Club Brugge, and his presence will certainly be missed.

This leaves coach Ivan Leko in a dilemma, as he admitted that Onyedika’s absence represents a significant blow to the squad’s tactical setup.

​In his absence, Belgian outlet Voetblkrant reports that Félix Lemaréchal is the most likely candidate to deputize in midfield.

The 22-year-old French midfielder joined from Strasbourg last month in a deal worth €6.5 million and has emerged as the preferred backup behind the Super Eagles star.

Lemaréchal is a gifted dribbler with high technical ability and a penchant for testing keepers from long range.

​Can Club Brugge Stun Atleti Without Raphael Onyedika?

​The upcoming fixture between Club Brugge and Atletico Madrid promises to be an intriguing contest given the quality within both ranks.

However, Atleti head into the tie as favorites due to their superior squad depth and the intimidating atmosphere of their home ground.

​Onyedika’s absence will likely be felt, especially if his replacement fails to match his intensity.

The Nigerian international was able to directly influence the game in the first leg, but whoever steps in on Tuesday will have an even tougher task playing deep in Atleti territory.

​With heavyweights like Barcelona and Real Madrid already falling at the Estadio Metropolitano this season, the Blauw-Zwart are well aware of the mountain they have to climb.

To progress, they simply must avoid defeat within 90 or 120 minutes; any loss, regardless of the margin, would effectively knock them out of the competition.