

Club Brugge's 4-1 hammering of Monaco at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Thursday highlighted their potential for a strong run in the competition this season, with captain Hans Vanaken leading from the front. With goals from Nicolo Tresoldi, Raphael Onyedika, and 19-year-old Mamadou Diakhon, the home team was outstanding in attack. Vanaken scored one goal and assisted on another. Ansu Fati gave the visitors a late consolation goal.
After home custodian Simon Mignolet was found to have brought down Mika Biereth, Monaco had a chance from the penalty spot with the score at 0-0. However, Maghnes Akliouche's 12-yard attempt was stopped by Mignolet, 37, who had to leave the pitch shortly after due to a groin issue. Vanaken's deft pass into the box gave Tresoldi the lead for Brugge in the 32nd minute, and Onyedika, after being set up by Carlos Forbs for a second, turned the ball into the net from close range.