Villarreal qualify for the last 32 after beating Spartak with goals from Chukwueze and Toko Ekambi
A winning start. New Villarreal boss Luis García started his time on the Yellows bench with an impressive victory against Spartak Moscow, a result which meant the Yellow Submarine qualified for the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 as leader of Group G. The goals from Samu Chukwueze and Karl Toko Ekambi were key.
The first lineup of García at Villarreal was a 4-4-2, with Santi Cáseres and Javi Fuego in a double pivot and Chukwueze and Pablo Fornals on the wing. Up front, it was Gerard Moreno and Toko Ekambi.
The Yellow Submarine got an early strike in. With ten minutes gone, Gerard shot, the ball bounced around in defence, before falling to Chukwueze’s feet. The Nigerian beat his marker easily, and put the ball out of the reach of the Spartak goalkeeper at the far post.
Spartak Moscow reacted quickly, looking for the equaliser, making Andrés Fernández spring into action. He first pulled off a great save after a Zé Luis header, and then kept out Hanni from point-blank range. Villarreal were able to keep them out before the break.
After the interval, the goal to make it 2-0 came quickly. Toko Ekambi and Fornals were involved in a great one-two, which ended with the Yellows No.17 striking the ball home. The goal calmed the team.
