Raphael Onyedika’s red card stole the spotlight in the Conference League semi-finals clash between Club Brugge and ACF Fiorentina, leaving the Belgians in a tough spot, Soccernet.ng reports.
Onyedika’s dismissal, following a second yellow card, forced Club Brugge to play with a numerical disadvantage for a significant portion of the match which resulted in a loss to the Italians.
The controversy surrounding Onyedika’s red card arose from uncertainty regarding his prior warnings. Despite receiving a yellow card earlier in the game, Onyedika’s reaction to the second caution suggested a lack of awareness, sparking speculation among his teammates.
Club Brugge’s 31-year-old midfielder, Hans Vanaken, who opened the scoring for the visitors expressed doubts about Onyedika’s understanding, highlighting the confusion surrounding the incident.
“I think he didn't know he had been given a first,” said Vanaken. “He said that after that second yellow card. It was also an unnecessary tackle at 60 yards from the goal.”
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions for Club Brugge, who found themselves trailing twice against a determined Fiorentina side.
Despite moments of brilliance, including a penalty conversion by Vanaken, defensive lapses allowed Fiorentina’s Andrea Belotti to regain the lead just before halftime.
Onyedika’s costly mistake further compounded Club Brugge’s woes, as they were forced to navigate the remainder of the game with ten men.
The midfielder’s absence in the return leg adds to Club Brugge’s challenges as they strive to overcome their deficit and secure qualification for the final.
Club Brugge must regroup and refocus ahead of the crucial second leg, and with their Conference League hopes hanging in the balance, the team faces an uphill battle against Fiorentina.
