Mignolet, Onyedika help gallant Club Brugge hold Atletico to make Round of 16 history

Super Eagles invitee Raphael Onyedika has played in part in history as Belgian side Club Brugge secured passage to the knockout stages of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League. 

Club Brugge put up a solid defensive performance against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, October 12 at the Wanda Metropolitano to bag a 0-0 draw against the Spanish giants.

Following last week's 2-0 first-leg victory over the Diego Simeone-led side, Club Brugge have now confirmed their spot in the Round of 16 with 10 points from four matches.

Former Barcelona striker and hero of the first leg, Ferran Jutgla led the line again for Club Brugge while Nigerian midfielder Onyedika was selected in a midfield four including captain Hans Vanaken, Casper Nielsen, and Andreas Olsen.

Club Brugge, coached by Carl Hoefkens, knew they needed to just avoid defeat to go through to the next stage so they played with a focus on defensive solidity.

On the other hand, Atletico Madrid started the night bottom of Group B and desperately needed to add a win to the meagre three points in three matches they had accrued up to that point.

Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa led the line for Simeone's side while Geoffrey Kondogbia, Thomas Lemar and Koke were tasked with providing creativity from midfield.

Atletico Madrid dominated the play with 65% of the possession and 21 shots in total to Club Brugge's five (5) shots but their finishing failed them as they failed to convert any of their chances. 

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was in inspired form again as he made an impressive nine (9) saves during the match, winning the Man of the Match award in the process.

With the result, Club Brugge have qualified for the Champions League Round of 16 for the first time in their history despite having two more matches to go in the group stage. 

Onyedika was one of the dependable players for Club Brugge on the night, playing all 90 minutes and breaking up play from their Spanish hosts. 

The 22-year-old central midfielder made seven (7) clearances and one (1) tackle during the match as well as winning three (3) tackles and drawing one foul. 

Onyedika's passing qualities came to the fore with 21 accurate passes at an accuracy rate of 75%, one (1) key passes, and three (3) successful long balls against Atletico Madrid.

Irrespective of other results, Club Brugge need just one win from their remaining two group matches to finish as leaders in Group B. 

The Belgian side will play FC Porto at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium next on Wednesday, October 26.