Club Brugge's Europa Conference League semi-final hopes hang in the balance after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to AFC Fiorentina in the first leg, with a needless red card for Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika proving a major turning point.
The 23-year-old, named Club Brugge's player of the month for April, endured a nightmare performance, receiving two yellow cards in quick succession just after the hour mark, forcing his team to battle the final third of the match with 10 men.
Fiorentina vs Club Brugge match report
Fiorentina raced to an early lead through Riccardo Sottil's brilliant strike in the 5th minute. However, Club Brugge responded quickly, equalizing from the penalty spot through Hans Vanaken in the 17th minute. The hosts regained the lead with eight minutes remaining in the first half when Andrea Belotti found the back of the net.
Club Brugge pushed for another equaliser, but their task became significantly more challenging when Onyedika was sent off just 16 minutes after the restart. The Nigerian midfielder's dismissal disrupted Brugge's rhythm, but they managed to restore parity just two minutes later, after Igor Thiago found the net to make it 2-2.
The Belgian giants seemed to have done just about enough to take a draw into the second leg but were stunned in added time when M’Bala popped up with the winner.
Onyedika's unnecessary red card
Captain of the Bruges, Hans Vanaken expressed his frustration with Onyedika's red card, stating, “I have mixed feelings about that late third goal for the Italians. Especially after the red card for Onyedika, you realize that it will be a matter of survival. And for a long time it looked like we would succeed, but then you still get that late goal in extremis, and that is always sour of course.”
“The red card for Onyedika was avoidable, because at that place on the pitch you don't have to tackle like that,” Vanaken added, highlighting the unnecessary nature of the challenge.
Onyedika's red card casts a long shadow over Club Brugge's Europa Conference League hopes, raising significant concerns beyond the immediate numerical disadvantage.
Frustration and concern for Club Brugge
Onyedika's overall performance throughout the match left much to be desired. Throughout the encounter, he struggled to effectively mark his opponents, allowing them to create space and threaten the Club Brugge defense. Additionally, several wayward passes punctuated his performance, contributing to a night of frustration for both the player and his team.
The Super Eagles youngster got his first yellow card in the 58th minute, followed by a second just three minutes later, resulting in his premature exit and leaving his teammates to battle the final 30 minutes with a significant handicap, contributing to a night of frustration for both him and his team.
Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen now faces a selection headache, with Onyedika's suspension leaving a gaping hole in his midfield. While Denis Odoi provided cover in the first leg, Hayen lacks a wealth of reliable options in that area.
A silver lining amidst the challenge
However, Onyedika's enforced absence could offer a silver lining. With a crucial domestic league phase approaching, the midfielder will have an enforced rest period, potentially returning refreshed and ready to contribute in the latter stages of the season.
Club Brugge’s crucial Championship Round fixtures are against Union Saint-Gilloise on May 13, and archrivals Anderlecht on May 19.
The Nicky Hayen-led side will undoubtedly require Onyedika's experience and tenacity when they face Fiorentina next week. While the task is undoubtedly more challenging, the tie remains open, and the Belgian side will be hoping to produce a stirring performance to overturn the deficit and reach the Europa Conference League final.
The Nigeria international has played 44 matches in all competitions this season, contributing four goals and two assists.
