Club Brugge KV – Atlético de Madrid (3-3)
It is undoubtedly the African performance of the evening. Led 0-2, then 2-3, Bruges found the resources to catch up against Atlético. And at the heart of this Belgian rebellion: Raphael Onyedika.
The Nigerian midfielder first reduced the score by a precise strike (51st), completely raising his team. But he did not stop there. In the 90th minute, it is again him who perfectly shifts Tzolis for the final equalization (3-3). Scorer and decisive passer in a very high-level match, Onyedika embodied the intensity and verticality of Bruges.
In front, Ademola Lookman had given some air to the Colchoneros by scoring from a corner just before the break (45th+8). But the usual defensive control of Simeone’s men has been shattered. Everything remains open before returning to the Metropolitano.
Bodø/Glimt – Inter Milan (3-1)
Unfortunate finalist last season, Inter has sunk north of the Arctic Circle. Dominated in intensity, surprised in transitions, the Nerazzurri paid a high price for their defensive largess. Bodø/Glimt hit three times, taking advantage of an Italian defense that was too static. The Italians will have to reverse the situation for Giuseppe-Meazza. But in view of the Norwegian dynamics, the equation promises to be complex.
Olympiacos FC – Bayer 04 Leverkusen (0-2)
Leverkusen hit hard in Greece. Two goals in three minutes from Patrick Schick were enough to bend the Olympiakos. The Germans missed by a long margin before suddenly accelerating. A controlled success that puts Bayer in a favorable position before the return.
Qarabag FK – Newcastle United (1-6)
English demonstration in Baku. Newcastle outclassed Qarabag with an untenable Anthony Gordon, author of a quadruple.
Also note the goal by Malick Thiaw, valuable in the offensive festival of the Magpies. Even if the former defender of Schalke represents Germany in the national team, his Senegalese ancestry still recalls the continent’s footprint on major European parties.
With a five-goal lead, Newcastle almost clinched their ticket to the eighth.
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