Diogo Jota bagged a hat-trick as Wolves saw off Espanyol 4-0 and Nuno’s team now have a commanding lead going into the second leg.
Ruben Neves also got himself on the score sheet with another wonder strike. The victory all but puts Wolves in the hat for the Round of 16 draw.
Wolves still have to travel to the RCDE Stadium next week but will be comfortable knowing they hold a four-goal advantage.
Who were the standout players during Wolves’ big win?
Diogo Jota
The hat-trick hero was by far the best player on the pitch.
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Jota’s individual efforts have more than likely put Wolves into the next round, bar a second leg shock.
Following injuries, and Pedro Neto coming into good form, Jota’s place in the team hasn’t been certain.
However, he came into the game looking to prove a point and was in the mood from the get-go.
His first goal was a true poacher’s effort; an instinctive finish inside the box to gives Wolves the lead.
The Portuguese international capped off a lovely team move for his second before drilling an effort into the bottom corner for his hat-trick.
Jota has now scored back-to-back hat-tricks in the Europa League and will look to take this form into the Premier League.
Ruben Neves
What more can be said about Ruben Neves?
Having the ability to strike a football with such ability and technique is rare, but Neves makes it look easy.
Since Wolves switched formation back to 3-4-3, the midfielder has been fantastic.
Alongside Moutinho, the two have formed a formidable partnership and are two of the best central midfielders in the league.
And the victory over Espanyol was another example.
A Ruben Neves goal from distance is a work of art designed to impress, and yet somehow this goal isn’t even in his top three.
Willy Boly
Willy Boly has returned to the squad as if he didn’t suffer a broken ankle that kept him out for over three months.
The Frenchman has been superb and continued his form against Espanyol.
Since his return, Wolves have kept three consecutive clean sheets.
Boly is a valuable asset to the team and solidifies an already top-class back line.
It could be easy to overlook his performance after Jota’s hat-trick and Neves’s wonder strike, but he was just as important in preserving Wolves’ lead.
Nuno will now be hoping he can remain fit for the remainder of a busy season.