Super Eagles stars Raphael Onyedika and Ademola Lookman played decisive roles in an electrifying European clash as Club Brugge battled back to earn a gripping 3-3 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off encounter.

Atletico asserted early dominance, with Julian Alvarez confidently dispatching a penalty after a handball decision. The Spanish side doubled their lead before halftime when Lookman reacted swiftly to convert from close range, capitalising on a clever flick from Antoine Griezmann.

Facing a two-goal deficit, Brugge emerged from the break with renewed determination. Onyedika ignited the resurgence in the 52nd minute, positioning himself perfectly to slot home after goalkeeper Jan Oblak spilled an initial effort from Nicolo Tresoldi, swinging the momentum toward the home side.

The equaliser soon arrived, as Tresoldi completed the turnaround phase by calmly finishing off a cross from Mamadou Diakhon, sending the crowd at the Jan Breydel Stadium into raptures.

Atletico momentarily restored their advantage following an unfortunate own goal by Joel Ordonez. However, the contest delivered one final twist in stoppage time when Christos Tzolis found the back of the net. Though initially flagged offside, VAR intervened to overturn the decision, ensuring Brugge secured a hard-fought draw.

The outcome leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg in Spain. For Nigerian supporters, the night stood out as another strong statement, with Onyedika’s composure and Lookman’s clinical edge highlighting their growing impact on Europe’s grandest football stage.