Chukwueze's Villarreal drop out of Champions League race after disappointing result

Chukwueze in LaLiga action for Villarreal

Chukwueze's Villarreal drop out of Champions League race after disappointing result

Faruq Ibrahim 20:14 - 28.05.2023

Villarreal failed to capitalise on Real Sociedad's slip up, and will play in the Europa League next season.

It was a disappointing day at the office for Quique Setien, as his team fail to keep themselves alive in the race for a Champions League spot falling 2-1 losers to Rayo Vallecano. 

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The Yellow Submarines went away to the Estadio de Vallecas hoping for a win and a defeat to Real Sociedad at the hands of Atletico Madrid to keep their chances of finishing in the top four alive.  

Diego Simeone's side did them a favour, beating la Reale, but Villarreal failed to capitalise, losing to the swashbuckling Los Franjirrojos.

How it happened

Quique Setien's side came into the game in impressive form, unbeaten in each of their last six games, winning five of them. 

However, they faced a Rayo Vallecano side who are in active competition for a UEFA Europa Conference League spot.

The first-half was exciting and end-to-end, with neither team interested in sitting back, but defense trumped attack in the first 45' as neither team could find the opener.  

Both teams sharpened their edges in the second-half, and only 10 minutes after returning from the break, the hosts found themselves in front, with Raul de Tomas getting on the end of a Josep Chavarria delivery. 

Team of the season nominee Isi Palazon made it two in the 63rd minute, combining brilliantly with Santi Comesana.

Villarreal pressed late on and pulled one back in the 83rd minute thanks to a Giovanni Lo Celso strike, but it was a little too late to stage a comeback as Rayo ended their unbeaten run.