Chukwueze hits post twice as Villarreal beat Atiemwen's Dinamo Zagreb to progress to UEL semis

Published: April 15, 2021

Spanish side Villarreal are through to the semifinals of the Europa League after beating Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb in the last eight on Thursday night.

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze started and was in action for 90 minutes while former Nigeria U23 international Iyayi Believe Atiemwen came off the bench with fourteen minutes remaining.

On 25 minutes, the Villarreal number 11 was unlucky not to break the deadlock when he hammered a first-time volley against the post and behind.

Unai Emery's team were in a good position to progress to the last four when Paco Alcacer gave them the lead on the night nine minutes before half-time, assisted by Chukwueze.

Alcácer tapped in after a brilliant cross from the Nigeria international on the right wing and it became 2-0 in the 43rd minute, in-form striker Gerard Moreno the scorer for the home team.

In the 74th minute, Dinamo's Oršić slotted in to the far corner of the net to reduce the deficit.

Fourteen minutes from time, Chukwueze hit the woodwork again, curling an excellent strike onto the far post from outside the penalty area.

The 2-1 win was enough to send Villarreal to the last four, having won 1-0 in Zagreb a week ago.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : villarrealcf.com

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