Samuel Chukwueze scored his first LaLiga goal of the season for Villarreal in their 2-1 win over Valencia in the Spanish LaLiga at the remodelled Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday.

It was Villarreal’s first game at the remodelled Ceramica in seven months and their first match since the 2022 FIFA World Cup break. The return to the stadium took the worst possible turn after Edison Cavani gave Valencia the lead in the 21st minute of the encounter. 

Chukwueze who has shown superb form during the club’s friendlies was slotted into the starting line up and he paid the manager’s confidence in him scoring the Yellow Submarines equaliser in the 45th minute after a superb well placed pass by Gerrard Moreno.

Defender, Juan Foyth, ensured that the hosts submerged the visitors scoring the winner in the 88th minute of the game to see them go seventh on the log as they continue their chase for a UEFA Champions league finish at the end of the season. 

The goal is the sixth of the season for Chukwueze in all competitions having scored twice in two Copa Del Rey games, two goals in five UEFA Conference League games and a goal in two Conference League qualifying games. 

Head coach of the team, Quique Setién, has hailed the performance of the Super Eagles winger.

“He is a player who was already important before my arrival and now he is at a good level. I’ve had to think more about the positions up front, I’ve got six players who could have started perfectly well. Both Samu and the rest know that they have to give something to keep their places.”

Chukwueze made way for Jose Luis Morales in the 72nd minute of the encounter.