Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has highlighted how Raphael Onyedika's absence influenced their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff second-leg tie against Club Brugge.

The Rojiblancos defeated Club Brugge 4-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night to edge the Belgian Pro League side 7-4 on aggregate, after the first leg ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Raphael Onyedika, who was instrumental for Brugge in the first leg, was missing in action after being suspended due to yellow-card accumulation.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Simeone stated that Club Brugge missed Onyedika’s presence in the game.

“I like the team [Club Brugge]; they are young, with very good midfielders.

“Onyedika was missing.”

Club Brugge will now shift their attention to the domestic league following their elimination from the UEFA Champions League.

The Blauw-Zwart will return to action against Charleroi in the Belgian Pro League this weekend.

WDN