Nicolas Jackson registered his name on the scoresheet as Villarreal claimed a 4-2 victory over Espanyol in Thursday night’s La Liga action.
The Yellow Submarines came into the game on the back of consecutive defeats to Valladolid and Sevilla which was a setback in their quest for European qualification next season.
They started on the back foot at Estadio de la Ceramica with Javi Puado giving Espanyol the lead just before the halftime break. Villarreal responded with former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Etienne Capoue equalising in the 53rd minute.
Dani Parejo went ahead 10 minutes later from the penalty spot, scoring from a rebound after his initial effort was saved by Espanyol goalkeeper Facundo Pacheco.
Espanyol leveled things up in the 73rd minute thanks to Joselu but Villarreal were not done yet as Senegal international Jackson finished off brilliantly by evading the challenge of two opposition defenders to give the Castellon outfit a 3-2 lead before Capoue sealed the deal in added time by completing his brace.
Jackson has now scored four goals in 19 La Liga appearances this season.
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— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) April 27, 2023
The game ended on a sour note for Espanyol with substitute Edu Exposito receiving his marching orders for a rash challenge.
Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze was also in action, making his 200th appearance for Villarreal and became the youngest player in the club’s history to reach that milestone.
Villarreal have now moved above Real Betis to fifth place which is a qualifying spot for the UEFA Europa League.
Quique Setien’s men are five points behind Real Sociedad who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot, and will have the opportunity to close the gap when they host Celta Vigo on Sunday afternoon.
