Chukwueze’s Brilliant Strike Not Enough To Save Villarreal From Defeat Against Barcelona

The Nigerian youngster has been in spectacular form in recent weeks, and he kept it up against Ronald Koeman’s men on Sunday

Super Eagles flying winger Samuel Chukwueze’s excellent strike broke the deadlock for Villarreal in their highly-anticipated La Liga clash against title-chasing Barcelona at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

It was the 21-year-old’s fourth goal involvement in his last four games for the Yellow Submarines. However, it was not enough to save Villarreal from falling to a 1-2 defeat as Antoine Griezmann’s brace turned the tie around for Ronald Koeman’s men. 

Nonetheless, Chukwueze has been a man in form as the season approaches the business end. The exciting forward was the star performer, and an assist provider as Unai Emery’s men defeated Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 in a Europa League tie in mid-April.

The former Golden Eaglets hero then smashed in a brace as Villarreal destroyed Levante 5-1 on April 18.

Chukwueze was tamed three days later as Deportivo Alaves edged to a 2-1 win over his side, but it took him just 26 minutes to burst to life against Lionel Messi and co.

Receiving a  pass from Pau Torres, the Villarreal number 11 showed extraordinary skills to dribble past his opponents and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen before slotting into an empty net. 

It was a goal even Lionel Messi would have been applauding if he were wearing yellow kits.

However, Barcelona responded almost immediately, courtesy of a brilliant finish from Griezman. The French international then capitalised on a poor back pass from Juan Foyth to give Barcelona the lead in the 35th minute,  which proved to be the winner. 

The win is an important one for Koeman’s men as their title fate remain in their hands.