Ike Uche spurs Villareal to Europa victory

Nigeria international striker Ikechukwu Uche scored for Villarreal in Thursday’s first-leg, round-of-32 clash against Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg.

Villarreal were 2-1 victors over their visitors.


Uche swept home a loose ball from inside the penalty area in the 32nd minute after the Salzburg defence failed to clear as the Yellow Submarine shot into the lead at Camp El Madrigal.

The Salzburg captain, Jonathan Soriano, evened the scores on 48 minutes through a well-taken penalty but Villarreal ensured they would take a win to Austria for the second leg after Russian Dennis Cheryshev restored their lead in the 54th minute.

Uche had missed Villarreal’s 0-2 loss to Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas in La Liga at the weekend.

The 31-year-old had picked up a knee injury on February 13.

Uche has now scored seven goals in all competitions for Villarreal this season.