Club Brugge crush Monaco in Champions League opener

Club Brugge launched their 2025/26 Champions League campaign in style with a commanding 4-1 victory over Monaco at the Jan Breydelstadion, Sport360NG reports.

The Belgian champions blew the game wide open before the interval, scoring three times in a devastating 10-minute spell. Nicolo Tresoldi opened the floodgates with a cool finish, Raphael Onyedika doubled the advantage soon after, and captain Hans Vanaken capped the onslaught with a thunderous volley into the top corner.

Teenage forward Mamadou Diakhon added a fourth after the restart, drilling in a fierce strike that underlined Club Brugge’s dominance. Monaco’s debutant Ansu Fati struck a late consolation in stoppage time, but by then the contest was long settled.

The night was equally dramatic for former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Within the opening 20 minutes he conceded and then saved a penalty, picked up a booking for confronting the referee, and was forced off injured. His replacement, Nordin Jackers, had little to do as Monaco offered minimal threat despite captain Eric Dier urging his teammates forward.

At the other end, Monaco’s Swiss shot-stopper Philipp Kohn was left exposed as Brugge racked up 17 attempts on goal, making several strong saves but powerless to prevent the first-half blitz.

Nicky Hayen’s men, who reached the round of 16 last season, continue their Group Stage campaign against Atalanta on 30 September. Monaco, meanwhile, will look to regroup when they host Manchester City.