Raphael Onyedika produced a commanding midfield performance as Club Brugge KV defeated Cercle Brugge 2-1 in the Bruges derby, sealing victory with two quick second half goals.
Making his 14th league start of the campaign and 18th appearance overall in the Belgian Pro League, Super Eagles midfielder Onyedika played a key role in controlling the tempo as the visitors secured another derby triumph. Club Brugge took the lead in the 51st minute when Nicolo Tesoldi fired a right footed shot from inside the box into the bottom left corner. Just three minutes later, Carlos Forbs doubled the advantage after being picked out in the area by Mamadou Diakhon, finishing calmly to stun the home supporters.
Cercle Brugge responded in the 73rd minute through Flavio Nazinho, whose long range left footed strike reduced the deficit and set up a tense finale. However, Club Brugge remained compact and disciplined to see out the win.
The result continues Club Brugge’s recent dominance in the derby. They have now recorded three consecutive victories over their city rivals. Prior to this run, five straight meetings between the sides had ended in draws. Cercle Brugge’s last derby win came over four years ago when they claimed a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Senna Miangue and David Sousa.
Club Brugge enjoyed 63 percent possession compared to Cercle’s 37 percent, registering 10 shots while facing 18 attempts from the hosts and forcing Warleson into four saves.
Rapahel Onyedika completed the full 90 minutes, finishing 44 of his 51 passes and recording 67 touches. He also made four recoveries and had two shots blocked, capping an influential display in the heart of midfield as Club Brugge secured local bragging rights.
