Samuel Chukwueze was again in sensational form as Villarreal strengthened their late charge for a champions league place with a 2-0 victory over Valencia at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday.

The Nigerian was making his 31st appearance in La Liga and was instrumental in Villarreal’s opener giving the pre-assist for Paco Alcacer’s fantastic strike.

Cutting in from the right, Chukwueze laid the ball to Santi Carzola who lofted a delightful pass for former Valencia man Alcacer to hit a delightful volley past Jasper Cillessen.

With 4th-placed Sevilla having drawn at home to Real Valladolid on Friday, Villarreal had the chance to close the gap to within three points of the champions league places and duly took their chance with aplomb.

Gerard Moreno added the second for Javi Calleja’s side a minute before halftime to send the hosts into the interval two goals up.

The impressive Chukwueze was substituted a minute from full time with the game already safe as 5th-placed Villarreal maintained their unbeaten run since the restart of the league.

Valencia, meanwhile, stay in 9th-place, three points of a European place.