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

The Yellow Submarines hosted the Spanish Laliga leaders in a game that could see them get into the Champions League positions with a victory.

Villarreal had been in good form, claiming a 2-0 victory against an in-form Betis last time out.

Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze started from the right-wing.

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, as Madrid could only muster a shot on target.

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.

Nonetheless, 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 percent pass accuracy. Before he was hauled off in the 74th minute, he had six successful dribbles and won 8 of his 14 duels.

Villareal did not offer much 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.