Finally! Chukwueze ends year in style, helps Villarreal surmount Valencia hurdle

Chukwueze had not scored in Laliga this season, but he finally got the monkeys off his back

Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze scored his first goal of the season to help Villarreal claim a tough 2-1 victory over Valencia.

Villarreal welcomed Valencia in their final Laliga game of 2022. Super Eagles star Chukwueze got a rare nod to start for the Yellow Submarine against their Gattuso-tutored opponents.

Both teams started on equal footing, but it was Valencia that took the initiative early on. Edinson Cavani profited off a rebound in the box and fired home from close range to make it 1-0 in the 21st minute.

However, Villarreal had the perfect reply for them as Chukwueze stepped up to the occasion. The Super Eagles forward got on the end of a cross and controlled the ball perfectly. He then struck a wicked shot into the bottom left corner to make it 1-1 just before halftime.

Chukwueze had a great game. To add to his goal, he registered two shots on target, 44 touches, and one interception before he was hauled off in the 72nd minute.

Villarreal were the better side in the second half, and they eventually got the winner just before the game ended.

Juan Foyth connected cleanly with a cross and put a fine header past Mamardashvili to seal a 2-1 win for Villarreal.