UCL Round of 16: Onyedika features as Benfica defeat Club Brugge at home

Raphael Onyedika earned the trust of Club Brugge manager Scott Parker as he played for 90 minutes as the Belgian side fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Benfica in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash. The Belgian outfit lost only their second game in the competition this season.

Benfica bossed the opening exchanges of the game, with their midfield players showing their superior quality. The Portuguese league leaders dominated the first 45 minutes but failed to make Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet work. Club Brugge thought they had taken a lead against the run of play in the 45th minute but the goal was chalked as Denis Odoi had headed home from an offside position.

It took only six second-half minutes for Benfica to take the lead as Jack Hendry fouled Goncalo Ramos in the box, conceding a penalty. Veteran midfielder Joao Mario stepped up to take the penalty and struck the ball through the goalkeeper to open the scoring for his side.

Benfica scored a second in the 88th minute after a series of defensive mishaps saw the ball fall to former Ajax winger David Neres in the box. The Brazilian winger kept his calm and slotted an effort into the bottom corner to round off the scoring.

Neres scored another but saw it ruled out as he had received the ball in an offside position. Onyedika and Club Brugge have it all to do when they visit Estadio da Luz on March 7th for the second leg.