Nicolas Jackson was at his best once again as he provided two assists that earned Villarreal a 2-1 win over Girona in La Liga on Saturday and a place in next season’s Europa League.
The Senegalese has scored six goals in the Yellow Submarines previous four matches but this time turned provider for goals by Yeremi Pino and Gerard Mereno in either half.
Villarreal took the lead in the ninth minute before Girona equalised in the 24th minute courtesy of David Lopez.
A draw looked like it was on the cards until Moreno popped up with the winner in the 94th minute to extend Villarreal’s unbeaten run to five games (W4 D1) having suffered back-to-back defeats against Valladolid and Sevilla earlier last month.
It keeps Quique Setien’s side firmly in fifth place on the log but they are just two points away from Real Sociedad for the final Champions League qualification spot with three games left to play.
There aren't many better forwards than ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? right now.
What a performance ???? #GironaVillarreal pic.twitter.com/BoSmbmcvLJ
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) May 20, 2023
For Jackson, his goal involvements in the league have now increased to 13 (nine goals, four assists) in 23 games.
The 21-year-old will have another opportunity to have his hand in a goal when Villarreal host Cadiz at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Wednesday.
