Samuel Chukwueze was on target for Villarreal but it was yet another defeat as the Yellow Submarines were edged 2-1 by Deportivo Alaves in the Spanish La Liga on Saturday, Completesports reports.
Chukwueze and his Villarreal teammates were hoping to return to winning ways, following their 2-0 loss to Liverpool in last week’s Champions League semo-final first leg at Anfield.
It was not to be as Alaves bounced back from their last defeat to Mallorca.
For Chukwueze, it was his first league goal since scoring in a 3-1 away win against Real Sociedad on 18 December, 2021.
It took his tally in the Spanish topflight to three after 23 games so far this season.
Also, he has now scored seven goals in all competitions for the reigning Europa League champions this term.
Alaves got off to the perfect start as they took the lead in the fourth minute thanks to Victor Laguardia.
And in the 31st minute Alaves doubled their lead this time through Gonzalo Escalante.
But just two minutes into the second half Villarreal pulled a goal back through Chukwueze but it only served as a consolation as Alaves held on to claim the three points.
The defeat leaves Villarreal in seventh place on 52 points just three points adrift of a European qualification spot.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s men will now shift attention to Tuesday, when they host Liverpool in their Champions League semi-final second leg clash.
Chukwueze will be looking to replicate his scoring feat against the Reds when they visit next week.
The Eagles winger played a role in helping Villarreal win the Europa League last season.
After a pulsating 120 minutes of football which ended goalless against Manchester United, Villarreal triumphed on penalties.
Unfortunately, Chukwueze did not feature in the final after sustaining an injury in the semi-final second leg against Arsenal at the Emirates.
By James Agberebi
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