Real Madrid target Chukwueze shines as Villarreal pummel Espanyol

Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze gave another brilliant performance for Villarreal in LaLiga as the Yellow submarine cruised to a 4-1 victory over Espanyol. 

Although the Nigerian did not get on the scoresheet, he was still a menace to the Espanyol defence, attempting more dribbles than any other player on the pitch, while also creating the second most scoring chances for his teammates. 

Thanks to his and other Villarreal stars’ exploits, the Yellow Submarine were able to run out 4-2 winners over their visitors to improve their chances of a European place next season. 

Villarreal started the game on the wrong foot, conceding after only 12 minutes to a goal by Espanyol’s Javi Puado, but they were quickly back in the mix when Etienne Capoue pulled them level. 

They were given a golden chance to take the lead when Alberto Moreno was fouled in the 18-yard-box and Villarreal were handed a penalty. 

Up stepped penalty specialist Dani Parejo, who hit the crossbar with his initial attempt, before tucking away the follow up to give Villarreal a 2-1 lead just after the hour mark.

Espanyol were not going to lay down and allow Villarreal to cart away all three points without a fight however, and they equalised soon after as Joselu pulled the visitors level with a brilliant finish to make it 2-2.

Villarreal were made to work for their win, and they did just that, scoring twice in the last 20 minutes to ensure they came away with the victory. 

Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson scored what would eventually be the winner in the 80th minute before Capoue wrapped up the scoring in extra time to make it 4-2 to Villarreal.

The win sees Villarreal maintain fifth position on the table with a strong chance of making Europe next season and an outside chance of overtaking Real Sociedad to finish inside the top four and clinch a Champions League spot.