Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika received his second red card of the season during Club Brugge’s UEFA Champions League match against AC Milan, Softfootball reports.
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With just five minutes remaining in the first half, Onyedika made a reckless challenge on AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders while attempting to chase down the ball, leaving the Dutch midfielder in pain.
Referee Felix Zwayer, after consulting VAR, deemed the foul dangerous and showed Onyedika a straight red card.
This is Onyedika’s second dismissal of the 2024-25 campaign, with his first red card coming during Club Brugge’s 1-1 draw against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Raphael Onyedika’s foul on Tijjani Reijnders
Raphael Onyedika’s foul on Tijjani Reijnders
The Nigerian midfielder has been pivotal to Nicky Hayen’s side, especially in the Champions League, where he scored in one of his last two outings.
However, his early exit left Brugge at a disadvantage, as they were already trailing 1-0 following Christian Pulisic’s 39th-minute goal for AC Milan.
Onyedika’s sending-off creates a tactical challenge for coach Nicky Hayen, who must now consider alternative strategies to salvage the game against the Italian giants.
Meanwhile, Onyedika’s compatriot Samuel Chukwueze, who represents AC Milan, did not start the match but may feature as a second-half substitute.
Milan, buoyed by their 1-0 victory over Udinese in Serie A, will aim to capitalize on their lead and continue their momentum.
The red card could significantly hinder Brugge’s chances of mounting a comeback, while Onyedika’s absence may force Hayen into a major reshuffle of his tactics.
