Real Madrid has been in fine form recently both domestically and in Europe, with Benzema scoring back-to-back hat tricks. Los Blancos definitely approached the game against Villareal full of confidence. Chukwueze, however, had other plans for the 14-time European champions.
The Nigeria international found the net twice as Quique Setien recorded a 3-2 comeback victory on Saturday night.
After the hosts took the lead in front of their fans through a Pau Torres own goal, Chukwueze slotted in an equaliser dribbling past the Madrid defence and slotting the ball past Thibaut Courtois.
Vinicius Jr put Madrid back in front but Jose Luis Morales equalised before Chukwueze stunned the hosts with an outside-the-box curler.
In the process, the Nigerian became the second Villarreal player to score a brace in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid, after Diego Forlan in May 2006.
Man-of-the-match Chukwueze was substituted for Kiko in the 91st minute while he was treated to an ovation by the visitors’ fans.
The Super Eagle brought his La Liga tally to 21 goals with the strike, a mark he has reached in just 145 games.
With six goals in the 2022-23 league season alone, the Nigerian has been one of the main reasons Villarreal is eyeing a place in the Champions League next season.
The win moves Villarreal up to fifth in the table, four points off the top four. The defeat is a huge blow to Madrid’s title hopes as they (On 59 points) are now 12 points behind leaders Barcelona.
Barcelona, meanwhile, could move 15 points clear at the top when they host Girona on Monday.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea can draw hope from this defeat as they visit the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Can they draw inspiration from Villareal and Chukwueze to pull off a surprise away win in spite of their terrible form?
