Senegalese star keeps Villarreal's Champions League hopes alive

Senegalese star keeps Villarreal's Champions League hopes alive

Faruq Ibrahim 20:37 - 24.05.2023

Chukwueze's Villarreal keep the gap to the top four at five points thanks to heroics from their Senegal international.

Senegal international Nicolas Jackson's tremendous form continues as he scored twice in Villarreal's 2-0 victory over Cadiz.

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The Yellow Submarines hosted their namesakes at Estadio la Ceramica as they looked to keep the possibilities of leap-frogging fourth-placed Real Sociedad for a ticket into Europe's elite competition alive. Their young striker scored his seventh and eighth goals in his last six league games to keep them on track. 

How it happened 

Villarreal have been on sensational form lately, and it is thanks in part to Jackson, who was set for a move to Bournemouth in the summer before a failed medical caused the move to break down.

The striker's return from injury has come at an opportune time for the Yellow Submarines, who are active in the race for a top-four finish. 

Cadiz started brightly, but the hosts soon found their footing, sending attack after attack towards Jeremias Ledesma's goal. 

Their efforts were rewarded in the 20th minute thanks to sharp finishing from the man on fire.  

The hosts doubled their advantage just before half-time when Gerard Moreno played the Senegalese through on goal. The in-form striker made no mistake, burying the ball in the back of the net. 

Both teams had chances to score in the second-half, but the goalkeepers were on their game.

 Nigeria's Chukwueze came on in the 67th minute, replacing Gerard Moreno. He completed two of three dribbles and had a shot off target.  

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