Madueke Shines as Arsenal Beat Club Brugge to Maintain 100% Champions League Record

Madueke Shines as Arsenal Beat Club Brugge to Maintain 100% Champions League Record

Noni Madueke struck twice as Arsenal extended their flawless run in the UEFA Champions League, defeating Club Brugge 3–0 to all but seal a place in the knockout stage.

Manager Mikel Arteta made five changes to the side that lost to Aston Villa, and one of those adjustments paid off early. Madueke opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort, holding off a defender before firing a thunderous 20-yard strike that crashed in off the crossbar.

Club Brugge threatened briefly towards halftime, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced crucial saves to deny Christos Tzolis and Aleksandar Stankovic, preserving the Gunners’ lead.

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Just two minutes into the second half, Madueke doubled his tally, heading in an excellent cross from Martin Zubimendi. Gabriel Martinelli then added Arsenal’s third in the 56th minute with a superb curling finish that put the result beyond doubt.

The night brought additional positives for Arsenal as Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance in 342 days after recovering from an ACL injury, while 16-year-old Marli Salmon came on to make his senior debut. Jesus nearly capped his return with a goal, but his late strike rattled the crossbar.

With the win, Arsenal move to 18 points — surpassing last season’s threshold for a top-eight finish — and are now firmly on course to avoid the February play-offs and advance directly to the round of 16.

Madueke Shines as Arsenal Beat Club Brugge to Maintain 100% Champions League Record