Chukwueze equals Messi’s feat against Real Madrid

Samuel Chukwueze is the first player to complete seven dribbles in a LaLiga game against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu since Lionel Messi did in April
2017, according to Opta Jose.

The Nigerian was in inspiring form at the weekend, scoring twice to help his club, Villarreal to a 3-2 win to boost their top four hopes.

The 23 year old, according to Opta Jose completed seven of eight dribbles while Messi completed seven of 11 when Barcelona visited Real Madrid in April 2017.

Interestingly, like Messi did in 2017, Chukwueze also scored twice in the 3-2 win. Messi scored Barcelona’s first and third goals while Chukwueze also netted
Villarreal’s first and third goals.

Opta Jose has also listed Chukwueze among the top three LaLiga players this season who have been involved in the most goals following a ball carry in 2022/23
in all competitions.

The Nigerian with his 12 (four goals and five assists) is behind Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr (eight goals and five assists) with Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele
third (three goals and five assists).

Chukwueze also made history as the second Villarreal player to score a brace in LaLiga at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid, after Diego Forlan in
May 2006.