Samuel Chukwueze scores to seal Villareal’s semifinal spot

 

Nigeria winger Samuel Chukwueze was the man of the hour as his late goal sealed Villarreal’s semifinal spot in the UEFA Champions League while effectively knocking out Bayern Munich in a shock result.

The Yellow Submarines already outdid themselves in the first leg with a 1-0 victory at the La Ceramica courtesy of Arnaut Danjuma’s goal.

A return leg was always going to be a difficult game for both sides, especially the Bavarians, who have been less than convincing of late.

The Germans have had to win by slim margins and were held to a 1-1 draw by Red Bull Salzburg in the first leg of their round of sixteen clash before they got a big win in the second leg.

However, the signs were there from 24 hours before the game as reports came in that Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was close to moving to La Liga side Barcelona.

The Forward’s contract ends in the summer, and he is free to negotiate with teams ahead of possible transfer in the summer.

Tuesday afternoon saw more inclinations that the former Borussia Dortmund forward could switch to the La Liga as he agreed to a deal to join the Nou Camp.

Nevertheless, the 33-year-old opened the scoring for the second leg of the Villarreal V Bayern tie after a goalless first half.

Lewandowski was supported by Muller and Musiala, while Villarreal had Danjuma flanked by Lo Celso and Moreno. Bayern scored in the 52nd minute when Muller rolled the ball into the path of Lewandowski, who then slotted home past Geronimo Rulli in Villarreal’s goal.

With two minutes left on the regular time, Samuel Chukwueze benefited from a counter attacking move that saw Gerard Moreno slide the ball across the box 18 for the Nigerian to scoop over Manuel Neuer and win the tie.

The result sends the Yellow Submarines into their first UEFA Champions League semifinal since 2006.

 

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu