Chukwueze helps Villarreal gain vital first leg advantage against Bayern Munich

BY: BLACKCOIN

Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench to help Villarreal secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie, BSNSports.com.ng reports .

The Yellow submarines will now head to Germany for the second leg of their tie primed to reach their first UEFA Champions League semi-final in over 15 years.

Unai Emery's team made a perfect start, taking the lead with just eight minutes on the clock at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

The hosts showed great team play as Arnaut Danjuma latched on to a perfect pass and fired an excellent low shot inside the right post, leaving the goalkeeper with little to do. 

Bayern failed to respond to falling behind and could have easily conceded a second on the half-hour mark only for Lucas Hernandez's last-minute ditch to deny Moreno. 

Bayern's only closest chance was a Joshua Kimmich blocked shot after the half-hour mark, in what was a surprisingly poor showing from the Bundesliga leaders. 

The hosts almost took a 2-0 lead going into the break when Francis Coquelin found the back of the net, but his goal was ruled out for offside. 

The second half saw Moreno hit the post with a fierce shot from the edge of the area as a determined Villarreal sought to extend their lead. 

The Germans became desperate as the match wore on, and the hosts almost took advantage of their sluggishness as they came close to doubling their lead late on, only for substitute Alfonso Pedraza to send his effort wide. 

Nigeria international Chukwueze was introduced into the game in the 81st minute for goalscorer Danjuma.

Chukwueze put up a decent shift, assisting the defense with one clearance. And his runs also helped to keep Bayern Munich in check.

The tie is at the halfway mark, and Julian Nagelsmann’s side will need to be at their best when they host the Spaniards next week at the Allianz Arena for the return leg.