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Samuel Chukwueze was able to contribute an assist for Villarreal in just 45 minutes of action against Celta Vigo
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze assisted Villarreal’s only goal in their 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in LaLiga, which temporarily sees them go fourth on the table.
Chukwueze continued his impressive form for Villarreal, and even though he could not get onto the scoresheet this time, he still had a hand in Villarreal’s opening goal, assisting seasoned forward Gerard Moreno to give Villarreal an early 1-0 lead.
Despite providing the assist for the goal, Chukwueze was taken off at half-time and Villarreal eventually let the three points slip when they conceded midway through the second half thanks to a brilliant Jørgen Strand Larsen effort.
How it happened
Villarreal entered the La Liga match against Vigo in high spirits after defeating defending champions Real Madrid in their previous match, and they hoped to add three points at Celta's Balaidos to strengthen their claim for a top-four spot.
They started out on the front foot when Chukwueze found Moreno on the edge of the box, and Villarreal’s all-time top scorer hit a scorcher to give them a 1-0 lead.
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After the goal, it was all Celta as the home team searched high and low for an equaliser before the halftime break without luck.
At the break, Villarreal's coach, Quique Setien, opted to take off Chukwueze in a like-for-like substitution, bringing on Yeremy Pino in the Nigerian’s place. It is unclear why this change was made and uncertain if it was due to injury concerns or a tactical change by the manager.
As with the end of the first half, the start of the second half was majorly dominated by Celta Vigo, who tried to force a way back into the game.
Yet it was Villarreal who first came close to scoring when Jose Luis Morales’ effort cannoned off the woodwork.
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Just a few minutes after Villarreal went close to doubling their lead, they had the lead cancelled out as Larsen found space in the box to place a right-footed effort firmly in the bottom corner.
That was how it stayed, despite the best efforts of both teams, especially Celta, who finished the match with 60% possession and 13 shots on goal.
Chukwueze continues hot streak
The assist for Moreno brought Chukwueze’s goal contributions this season to 14 (seven goals and seven assists) in 25 games in all competitions for Villarreal and marked his third goal contribution in his last four matches.
The 1-1 draw saw Villareal move into the UEFA Champions League qualifying spot, and it is left to see if they can maintain that spot, although, with Chukwueze in this form, you would not put it past them.
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