Onyedika sent off as Chukwueze assists AC Milan to crucial win over 10-man Club Brugge

Samuel Chukwueze and Raphael Onyedika were on opposing sides as AC Milan beat Club Brugge in the Champions League

It was a tale of differing fortunes for Super Eagles stars in the Champions League as Raphael Onyedika and Samuel Chukwueze clashed in AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Club Brugge.

While Onyedika started the match, he took an early bath after sending off in the late stages of the first half, handing AC Milan an advantage.

The Rossoneri made the opportunity count as they stormed to their first victory of the current Champions League campaign thanks to a goal from Christian Pulisic, and a brace from Tijjani Reijnders.

Club Brugge managed to find the back of the net through Kyriani Sabbe, but his second-half strike turned out to be a consolation goal.

How it happened

Despite being the less-favoured side, Club Brugge created the better chances in the opening exchanges, but AC Milan took the lead against the run of play after Pulisic’s floated corner kick found its way into the net past a host of bodies in the box.

A pivotal moment came when Nigerian midfielder Onyedika was given his marching orders after VAR replays showed that he trod on the ankle of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reinders.

Raphael Onyedika was sent off against AC Milan | Imago Raphael Onyedika was sent off against AC Milan | Imago

Even with the one-man disadvantage, Brugge found a way back through Sabbe early in the second half.

AC Milan responded to Brugge’s equaliser with a double change, bringing on Chukwueze and Noah Okafor, with both players impacting the game immediately.

Chukwueze and Reijnders celebrate AC Milan's third goal | Imago Chukwueze and Reijnders celebrate AC Milan's third goal | Imago

Okafor assisted the eventual match winner for Reijnders, while Chukwueze provided the assist for the Dutchman’s second goal to earn Paolo Fonseca’s side a 3-1 victory.