Onyedika Eyes Return as Club Brugge Host Barcelona in Crucial Champions League Clash

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika could return to Club Brugge’s starting lineup as the Belgian champions aim to revive their UEFA Champions League campaign when they host Barcelona on Wednesday (today) at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

The 19-time Belgian league winners have managed just one victory from their three group-stage matches so far and will be eager to secure maximum points against the Spanish giants. Onyedika, who recently recovered from a muscle injury that sidelined him for seven matches—including their last two Champions League fixtures against Atalanta and Bayern Munich—featured for 28 minutes in Brugge’s 2-1 weekend win over Dender. Reports, however, suggest he may not yet be fully fit to start.

His availability still provides a major boost for head coach Nicky Hayen, who expressed confidence ahead of the tie. “We’ve been performing well recently. Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world, but we’ll approach the game positively—pressing high, attacking, and man-marking,” Hayen said via AS. “We know it’s a special match. We admire Barça but must stay focused and give 100%. With the backing of our fans, I believe it will be a great contest.”

Historically, Club Brugge have struggled against Barcelona, failing to win any of their four European encounters (one draw, three losses). However, the Spanish side have a losing record away to Belgian opposition (four wins, five losses). Last season, Onyedika played a pivotal role in Brugge’s run to the quarter-finals, scoring once against Manchester City.