Samuel Chukwueze was on target as Villarreal defeated Girona 3-0 in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey encounter.
After a goalless first half in Estadi Montilivi, Javier Calleja’s side put up a creditable showing in the last 45 minutes to reach the Last 16.
Argentine defender Ramiro Mori gave the visitors a 53rd-minute lead before Santi Cazorla doubled the lead after 69 minutes.
Two minutes later, Chukwueze who replaced Javi Ontiveros, sealed the triumph by firing past goalkeeper Juan Corral after dribbling past his markers.
The Nigeria international last found the net for Villarreal in their 3-1 home loss to Celta Vigo on November 24, 2019.
Having scaled the Segunda division side’s hurdle, Calleja’s men will now concentrate on defeating Deportivo Alaves at Mendizorrotza Stadium in Saturday's La Liga encounter.
Their last league tie ended in a 2-1 defeat to Espanyol, and victory over El Glorioso will boost their standing in the log. Currently, they sit in ninth position with 28 points from 20 outings.
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