Chukwueze puts up decent show to help Villareal edge closer to Champions League spots

The Super Eagles played a vital role to help the Yellow Submarines close in on the Champions League positions

Nigerian forward Samuel Chukwueze put up a good performance to help Villareal secure a goalless draw against Laliga leaders Real Madrid. The result puts them within reach of the Champions League spots.

Villarreal had been in good form, claiming a 2-0 victory against an in-form Betis last time out. But Real Madrid also had form on their side as they have only lost once in their previous five games.

Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze was deployed to operate from the right of the Villarreal attack.

Real Madrid bossed the game from the start, keeping the ball and trying to create chances. However, Villareal coach Unai Emery put up a pretty strong defensive setup and Madrid could only muster a shot on target in the first half.

Chukwueze ran the game from the wings, keeping Real Madrid fullback Marcelo on his toes.

The first half ended with both teams recording just a shot on target apiece. Los Blancos went into the second half all guns blazing, and if not for their poor finishing, they could have gotten a goal.

Chukwueze failed to penetrate the Real Madrid defence. He had 41 touches in the game, with an 80 per cent pass accuracy. Before he was hauled off in the 74th minute, he had six successful dribbles and won eight of his 14 duels.

Villareal did not offer an attacking bite in the second half, and they could only muster one shot on target in the second half.

It ended goalless at the Estadio de la Ceramica, and the result ensured that Villarreal climbed to fifth, two points behind fourth-placed Barcelona in the last Champions League spot. However, they have played two games more.