Emmanuel Dennis is very happy with his goal that propelled Club Brugge to a 2-1 win over FC Zenit Saint Petersburg on Tuesday night.
However, they took the lead in the 63rd minute after Nigeria’s Charles De Ketelaere shot past goalkeeper Mikhail Kerzhakov.
Zenit equalised 11 minutes later when Dejan Lovren’s shot from distance hit the post before bouncing off goalkeeper Ethan Horvath and into the net.
While the Group F tie looked destined for a draw, De Ketelaere sealed the victory with an unbeaten effort thanks to the help of captain Ruud Vormer.
Speaking after the match, the 22-year-old who replaced Senegalese striker Youssouph Badji in the 82nd minute expressed his joy at scoring against the Lions.
“I’m extremely happy with my goal,” Dennis told Club Brugge’s website.
“But much more is the definitive 2-1 victory in this opening match of the Champions League.
“As champions of Belgium in past editions, we were already very close on some occasions, but now that the first one is so important, the victory is a fact and it feels good.
“Yes, everyone knows I like jokes, however, I am very satisfied that I can push the ball against the ropes after two opportunities blocked by Charles. “
Dennis hopes to score when Club Brugge host Lazio at Jan Breydel Stadium in their next match. Before that, he is expected to lead the Blue Blacks’ attack in a league outing at OH Leuven.