Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was in action for 72 minutes in Villarreal’s first leg semifinal Champions league clash with Liverpool Wednesday night but could not save the Spanish side from crashing.
Chukwueze who was impressive in the quarterfinals was replaced by Senegal’s Boulaye Dia with 18 minutes to go with visiting Villarreal already two goals down.
It was however not a case just sad story for the Nigerian as he made record as he became only the second Nigerian to start a Champions League semifinal clash after former Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel achieved the feat against Barcelona while playing for Chelsea in 2012.
Nations Cup winner Sadio Mane who scored the winner for the Anfield landlords in the 55th minute equally had additional feather to add to his cap after equaling Didier Drogba’s record of 14 goals in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Wednesday’s result has boxed Chukwueze and his teammates into a tight corner which implies they have to throw in every arsenal in their armory into the second leg and pray for luck to make it into the final.
Liverpool head to Estadio de la Ceramica next week with just one mission in mind operation consolidate with one leg already in the final.
