Samuel Chukwueze took his goal tally in the Copa del Rey to three, coming off the bench to register his name on the score sheet in Villarreal’s game away at FC Cartagena on Tuesday.
Chukwueze was a second half substitute in the encounter and 17 minutes later he was wheeling away in celebration for Villarreal’s fourth goal on the night.
The Winger is now just one goal off the top scorer’s spot which is jointly held by Kike Barja (Osasuna), Uros Milovanovic (Sporting Gijon) and Munir El Haddadi (Getafe).
On the night, the Primeira Liga side fought from a goal down after Cartagena took a first half lead to send the home crowd at the Estadio Municipal Cartagonova wild.
However, three minutes after the resumption of the game, Quique Setien’s men cancelled out the deficit through Alex Baena.
Moments later Arnaut Danjuma (56′) found the back of the net before Jose Morales (60′) hit home the rebound after his penalty was save.
Chukwueze came off the bench for Danjuma and was on the scoresheet as he raced in behind the Cartagena defenders in a counter attack.
He kept his nerves to slot home calmly, increasing the visitor’s lead further. Etienne Capoue (90′) completed the routing with a fine strike right from the edge of the box.
The victory sent Villarreal through to the Copa del Rey round of 16.
Draw for the last 16 fixtures will be held on January 7.
