Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze impressed as Villarreal defeated Chidozie Awaziem’s Hajduk Split 4-2 on Thursday night in the first leg of the Conference League final qualifying round.
Hajduk Split took an early lead in the game but it didn’t last before Jose Luis Morales leveled proceedings for Villarreal and the Spanish side went ahead when Marko Livaja turned the ball into his own net in the 19th minute.
Chukwueze turned provider for Villarreal’s third, his beautiful through ball created an opening for Morales to grab his second of the night in the 36th minute. Gerard Moreno scored Villarreal’s fourth just before the break.
Hajduk Split earned a penalty in the 85th minute and Marco Fossati stepped up and converted it to ensure the game ended 4-2.
With the win, Villarreal are in a comfortable position to advance to the group stage of the Conference League. Chukwueze and Awaziem last the duration of the game.
Elsewhere in the Conference League qualifiers, Sunday Adetunji opened the scoring in KF Shkupi’s 2-1 home loss against FC Ballkani.
Peter Olayinka and Moses Usor both featured in Slavia Prague’s 2-1 defeat at Rakow Czestochowa.
Alhassan Yusuf put up a strong showing to help Royal Antwerp to a 1-1 draw against Istanbul Basaksehir away from home.
In the Europa League, Leke James was on target in Sivasspor’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Malmo.
The second leg of the Europa League and Conference League final qualifying round fixtures is scheduled for next week Thursday, August 25.
