In-demand winger Samuel Chukwueze provided an assist in the first Liga fixture of 2019 as Villarreal forced Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw on Thursday night.
The match rescheduled due to Los Merengues’ Club World Cup commitments, and Cazorla Santi took just four minutes to delightfully curl a first-time shot past Thibaut Courtois following a great assist from the mobile Chukwueze.
However, Madrid responded with two quick-fire goals as Karim Benzema nodded in a cross, before Raphael Varane climbed highest from a free kick to glance a header past Sergio Asenjo.
The offside flag correctly chalked off Luka Modric’s rebound from a spilled Toni Kroos strike, while the lively Chukwueze forced Thibaut Courtois into a save from point-blank range.
Madrid were dealt a blow when Gareth Bale was forced off with a knock at the break but nonetheless looked to have seen off the threat of a Yellow Submarine equaliser in the second half.
However, Cazorla ghosted into the visitors’ box through the backdoor with just seven minutes remaining to head in a cross.
Explosive winger Chukwueze was substituted some minutes after the hour in the electrifying game.
Chukwueze has four goals this season with two coming in the league, one in the Europa League in addition to one in the Copa Del Rey.
While being a target for Atletico Madrid, the Villarreal starlet is also being linked with Arsenal and Everton.
