Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika expressed his excitement after scoring his first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League during Club Brugge’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
Onyedika’s goal, which came just before halftime, gave the Belgian side a 1-0 lead.
While Manchester City dominated possession, Brugge kept pace with nearly the same number of shots on goal.
However, Manchester City responded strongly in the second half, with Mateo Kovacic, Joel Ordonez (own goal), and Savinho scoring to secure the comeback win.
Super Eagles’ Raphael Onyedika describes scoring against Man City as an “amazing feeling.”
Also, he discusses his Champions League goals, his future amid transfer speculation, the Super Eagles, and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers… stay tuned! #UCL pic.twitter.com/qWA35RsjFu
— Shina Oludare (@sportingshina) January 29, 2025
Despite the loss, which meant Club Brugge had to settle for qualification to the Champions League playoffs rather than a win, Onyedika couldn’t hide his joy over his personal achievement.
“I don’t know how to put it, but it’s an amazing feeling to score my first goal in City’s stadium. I’m so proud,” Onyedika told Shina Oludare.
Reflecting on the match, Onyedika admitted the challenge of holding onto the lead against EPL Champions Manchester City.
“We knew it would be difficult after we got the first goal, we were a bit sloppy. And when we conceded the first goal, they had more momentum and energy, so it was much more difficult for us because of our mistakes.”
Though Brugge lost the match, they still secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stage, where they will face either Borussia Dortmund or Atalanta.
Photo by imago
Manchester City will play Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the round of 16.
READ MORE:champions-league-knockout-stage-all-the-key-matchups-and-what-to-expect
Looking forward, Onyedika remains determined to continue his strong performances as Club Brugge prepares for the next stage of the competition.
The Champions League playoff draw will take place on Friday, January 31.