Samuel Chukwueze scores on Champions League debut

The Nigerian international has only recently returned from a long injury layoff, and he marked it with a goal on the biggest stage of club football

Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench late to score the last goal as Villarreal smashed Young Boys 4-1 in their UEFA Champions League clash at the Stade de Suisse Wankdorf in Switzerland.

It was the Super Eagles star’s first appearance and first goal coming off his first touch in Europe’s premier club competition.

Wednesday night’s win was a massive one for Villarreal, who had been without a victory after two matches in the Champions League this term, sitting bottom of a group that also had Manchester United and Atalanta.

But Yeremi Pino and Gerard Moreno helped the reigning Europa League champions begin the night positively with a pair of well-taken goals in the opening 16 minutes.

Meschack Elia momentarily reduced the deficit for Young Boys midway into the second period, but Alberto Moreno restored the Spaniards’ two-goal advantage two minutes before time.

Villarreal manager Unai Emery then introduced Chukwueze into the encounter in stoppage time, only for the Nigerian international to find the net with his first touch of the ball, sending a Gerard Moreno pass past goalkeeper David von Ballmoos between the home side’s posts.

Chukwueze excellent exploits powered Villarreal to the Europa League title last summer, and he would be dreaming of a similar run in the Champions League this time.