Chukwueze ends 10-game barren run to score first goal of Setien's Villarreal reign

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has picked up a bit of history after scoring in Villarreal's match on Thursday night.

The Nigeria international opened the scoring in a 2-2 UEFA Europa Conference League draw with Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Chukwueze's goal became the first goal of the Quique Setien era at Villarreal in what was the former Barcelona manager's first match in charge of the Submarines after replacing Unai Emery during the week.

Emery left Villarreal for Aston Villa after Sunday's 2-1 victory over Almeria and having been replaced, Setien had a few hours to name his starting lineup for their Matchday 5 fixture in Europe.

Setien named Chukwueze on the right wing in a 4-4-2 formation with Manu Trigueros, Manu Morlanes, and Alejandro Baena making up the four-man midfield.

With Villarreal already qualified from Group C of the Conference League, the visitors took the first initiative, opening the scoring through a Tomer Hemed penalty just three minutes into the second half.

However, Hapoel Be'er Sheva were ahead for only nine minutes as Chukwueze netted his second goal of the group stage in the 57th minute to bring the Yellow Submarines level.

The goal took Chukwueze's contribution in the Europa Conference League group stages to two (2) goals and two (2) assists but also, more importantly, it was the first goal of the Setien Villarreal era.

Dutch forward Arnaut Danjuma gave Villarreal the lead in the 70th minute but Be'er Sheva were fighting for a shot at the qualification playoffs position and thus found an equaliser through Sagiv Yehezkel in the 79th minute.

The result puts Be'er Sheva third in the group, two points behind second-placed Lech Poznan who they hope will get defeated by Villarreal on the final Matchday. 

Chukwueze played the full 90 minutes against Hapoel Be'er Sheva and in that time, he scored one (1) goal, had two (2) shots on target, one (1) off target, and hit the woodwork once.

The Super Eagles winger had an 84.2% pass accuracy, with one (1) long ball played, two (2) of his four (4) dribble attempts successful, and one (1) big chance missed.

Chukwueze also won seven (7) of the 11 duels he contested on the night, drew one (1) foul from the Be'er Sheva defence and put in three (3) tackles.

Villarreal will return to action on Sunday, October 30 when they visit the San Mames Stadium to take on Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish La Liga.