Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika is among the goals as Club Brugge began their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign in emphatic style, dismantling Monaco 4-1 at the Jan Breydelstadion on Wednesday night.
The Belgian champions blew the contest wide open in the first half, scoring three times in just 10 minutes.
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Nicolo Tresoldi opened the floodgates with a neat finish before Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika doubled the advantage.
The hard batling Super Eagles midfoelder calmly slotting home after being left unmarked in the box.
Captain Hans Vanaken then struck a thunderous volley into the top corner, giving Brugge a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw French teenager Mamadou Diakhon add a fourth with a clinical strike, capping a dominant performance from Nicky Hayen’s side.
Ansu Fati, making his Monaco debut, salvaged some pride for the visitors with a stoppage-time consolation.
It was a dramatic night for veteran goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who conceded and saved a penalty, picked up a yellow card for dissent, and then left the pitch with a groin injury after just 17 minutes.
Replacement keeper Nordin Jackers enjoyed a quiet outing, with Monaco rarely threatening despite a more balanced display after halftime.
At the opposite end, Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn faced relentless pressure, producing several fine saves but ultimately undone by Brugge’s ruthless finishing.
Captained by former Tottenham defender Eric Dier, Monaco’s backline was repeatedly exposed and failed to cope with the hosts’ intensity.
Club Brugge, who reached the last 16 of last season’s tournament, will next travel to Atalanta on 30 September.
Monaco, meanwhile, must regroup quickly ahead of a daunting clash with reigning champions Manchester City.
