Atletico Madrid secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Club Brugge in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie, progressing to the Quarter-finals with a 7-4 aggregate score. The match, which followed a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg, saw several key narratives unfold, including the impactful substitution of Ademola Lookman and the notable absence of Raphael Onyedika for Club Brugge.

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman was a surprise exclusion from Atletico's starting lineup for the high-stakes second leg, despite his impressive form of being involved in six goals in his previous six appearances and having scored in the first leg and against Espanyol. He was eventually introduced in the 70th minute with the Spanish giants leading 2-1. Lookman wasted no time making his mark, contributing to Atleti’s third goal within just six minutes through a devastating combination with Alexander Sørloth and Antoine Griezmann, injecting fresh pace and urgency into the attack. Though he missed a late chance to get on the scoresheet himself, his performance was pivotal in ensuring Atletico's comfortable progression.

Following the final whistle, Atletico coach Diego Simeone, known for his passionate character, displayed clear delight with Lookman’s contribution. Simeone was seen sharing affectionate moments with the forward, giving him an exuberant embrace and singling him out for a warm, extended greeting after the match. This special treatment highlighted a growing bond between the Argentine tactician and his January signing, with reports indicating Simeone was a big admirer of Lookman even before his arrival.

Simeone later explained his decision to bench Lookman, stating that it was part of a broader strategy to manage player workload and give the team the best possible chance of winning by increasing pressing intensity and being more decisive in attacking positioning. He admitted it was not easy to leave out key players like Lookman and Griezmann, acknowledging that Julián Álvarez had also been performing well. Simeone emphasized the need to make tough decisions and manage the squad effectively, accepting that some choices will be right and others wrong, but always aiming for the club's best interest.

On the opposing side, Club Brugge faced Atletico Madrid without their influential Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika, who was ruled out due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Onyedika had been a central figure in the first leg, where his physical dominance in midfield and a goal and an assist allowed Brugge to go toe-to-toe with the Spanish giants in the 3-3 draw. His absence proved to be a significant blow for the Belgian side.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone himself acknowledged Onyedika's missing presence, noting, “I like the team [Club Brugge]; they’re young, with very good midfielders. Onyedika was missing.” Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko attempted to restructure his midfield to compensate for the loss of the Nigerian international, but the tactical shift ultimately failed to contain Atleti’s late-game surges. The defeat meant Club Brugge exited the competition with a 7-4 aggregate loss, bringing their continental journey to an end. Onyedika is expected to return to the starting lineup for domestic action in the Jupiler Pro League.