Chukwueze helpless as Liverpool overcome Villarreal to edge closer to final

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze, was caged in Villarreal’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in Wednesday’s Champions League first leg tie, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

It was a night of broken records at Anfield, as Chukwueze became the first Nigerian to start a Champions League semifinal tie since Mikel Obi for Chelsea against Barcelona in 2012.

Chukwueze was the hero for Villarreal in the second leg quarter-final clash against Bayern after netting the equalizer which sent his side into the last four.

Despite their early possession, Jurgen Klopp's side could not create clear chances in the opening half an hour as the visitors' defense stood firm. 

The first real attempt on goal came in the 31st minute when Luis Diaz picked up the ball, dribbled to the edge of the penalty area, and unleashed a brilliant shot, but was thwarted by a decent save from Geronimo Rulli.

Just before the break, Thiago got into a shooting position from way out, but his shot crashed against the crossbar. 

Liverpool upped the tempo in the second half as they went for the elusive goal early on. 

Five minutes in, they thought they had the opener when Fabinho found the back of the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside much to the frustration of the players and fans.

Three minutes later though, Liverpool go their first goal when Pervis Estupinan tried to block Jordan Henderson's pass, but it ended in his own net.

Two minutes later, Liverpool stunned the visitors with the second goal of the match, turning the clash on its head. 

Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah played a lovely one-two, with the latter finding the Senegalese with a neat ball to easily beat the goalkeeper with a neat finish into the bottom right corner.

Andy Robertson also had an effort ruled off for offside as Liverpool went for the third goal that could give them the much-needed cushion. 

Villarreal did not give much going forward, as the forward line was more occupied with defensive duties than offensive ones. Chukwueze had little spaces to run into. The Nigeria international had just 14 touches in the game, and he lost possession eight times.

Chukwueze was taken off for Boulaye Dia in the 71st minute.

Diaz and Salah came close in the closing stages of the match, but there were no more goals as the match ended 2-0 in favour of the hosts ahead of next week's return leg. 

The reverse fixture will take place in Spain next week Tuesday.