Villarreal of Spain winger, Samuel Chukwueze was on song for The Yellow Submarine against FC Barcelona, but his effort could not save his side form losing the game 2-1.
It was a continuation of top form for ‘Samu,’ who had also been on the score card the previous weekend and received a charge from his coach, Unai Emery to keep firing on all cylinders.
That was exactly what the product of Diamond Football Academy of Umuahia did and, though it was not good enough for victory against The Catalans, it was a huge morale booster for him heading into Thursday’s UEFA Europa League semi-finals clash with Arsenal of England.
Indeed, Chukwueze has been lifted with more zeal to battle the team that wanted to buy him in 2016 and has now returned into the spotlight of interest in his signature this summer, ahead of which they will tango at Emirates Stadium later this week.
Chukwueze goes into that game buoyed by his third goal in same number of games for Villarreal, who were beaten 2-1 by visiting Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday afternoon, even when his side took the lead after De Jong and Lionel Messi came close to breaking the deadlock.
Villarreal that took the lead in the game after 25 minutes, when Chukwueze took advantage of the mishap in the Barca defence and did very well to round goalkeeper Ter Stegen before slotting home after a lovely ball in behind from Pau Torres.
Barca, however, responded instantly as Antoine Griezmann, with a lovely chip over the keeper and equalised in style, after which they capitalised on a defensive error to make it 2-1 and it was the Frenchman again, as he confidently tucked in his 18th goal of the season in all competitions.
Though Villarreal managed to improve as the second half progressed, Barca held onto their lead, while Chukwueze, who netted his fourth LaLiga goal against The Catalonians since his debut in Spain, made way for exciting teenager Yeremi Pino with a minute left.
It was another solid personal performance by Chukwueze has been involved in the last 15 matches played by Villarreal in all competitions, after recovering from a scary groin injury that required surgery.
He has, however, falln short of his feats i the 2020-2021, registering 20 goals and five assists in the Spanish top-flight, while tallying six goals and bagging three assists in nine Europa League appearances., contributing to a total of 34 goals.
