Chukwueze's Villarreal trump Athletic Club to keep Champions League hopes alive

Samuel Chukwueze's Villarreal ran riot against a lacklustre Athletic Club side, beating them 5-1 thanks to exceptional performances from Alex Baena and Nicolas Jackson. 

The hosts utilised the 12th man of La Ceramica to its full effect, attacking endlessly with ruthless efficiency, fueled by the packed stadium. 

The win meant the Yellow Submarines fully capitalised on Real Sociedad's slip-up, keeping them only five points away from La Reale in the last Champions League spot.  

The hosts needed to win to keep the fifth spot further away from Real Betis and move them closer to La Reale, and win they did.  

The game started slowly but soon burst into life, with wave after wave of attacks from Quique Setien's men. Their efforts were rewarded in the 24th minute when Alex Baena found the back of the net. 

Cameroon international Nicolas Jackson made it two in the 37th minute; however, just before the stroke of half-time, Los Leones were handed a lifeline from the penalty spot, which Oihan Sancet made no mistake in burying. 

Villarreal were unforgiven in the second half and almost immediately restored their two-goal advantage in the 50th minute, with Jackson getting his brace.  

Aitor Paredes bundled the ball into his own goal to make it 4-1, before Alex Baena capped off the scoring with a 90th-minute finish.

The defeat keeps Athletic Club in 8th place but leaves them vulnerable to being leapfrogged by Rayo Vallecano.