Super Eagles star Chukwueze could not impact the game as he barely touched the ball
Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Samuel Chukwueze was in action for Spanish La Liga side Villarreal as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Premier League giants Liverpool in a first leg UEFA Champions League fixture that took place on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.
Victory for the Reds means that they take a two goal advantage to the second leg in Spain.
The 22-year-old Chukwueze featured for 72 minutes before he was replaced by Boulaye Dia.
In the game, Chukwueze had just 14 touches in the game as they struggled to keep possession of the ball.
Crouch on Chukwueze and Villarreal
In the post game analysis on BT Sport, Champions League Studio Pundit Peter Crouch explain the challenges Villarreal faced in the game.
He said, "I just felt that they had to try something different. They were playing into Liverpool's hands completely.
"They were actually getting some of the best chances from actually winning the ball back when Villarreal had possession.
"They had to play in Danjuma or Chukwueze down the sides just to try and get themselves a breather, get themselves up.
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"They literally could not breathe, they could not get any respite, they were on top of them every time they had the ball."
Villarreal boss Unai Emery on the other hand was optimistic despite a deflating result at Anfield.
He added, "The first half was defensively good, but we didn't achieve many counterattacking options in attack.
"The second half was the same and they deserved to score. It's not a good result for us but we will dream of doing something different at home."
Chukwueze who dreams of playing in the Champions League final will now have to do better when they welcome Liverpool in the second leg scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 2022.