Liverpool produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield on Tuesday, recovering from two goals down to maintain their 100 per cent start to the UEFA Champions League league phase.
Villarreal stunned the home crowd with early goals from Georges Mikautadze in the fourth minute and Sergi Cardona in the 29th, exposing Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities and putting the visitors in control.
However, Alexis Mac Allister began the comeback with a header in the 36th minute before Ronald Araújo levelled the contest just before half-time, heading home a cross from teenage winger Rio Ngumoha.
Liverpool carried their momentum into the second half, with Mac Allister completing his brace in the 65th minute after another impressive contribution from Ngumoha. Florian Wirtz then extended the hosts’ advantage three minutes later to make it 4-2.
Villarreal refused to surrender, as Tani Oluwaseyi pulled one back in the 87th minute to set up a tense finish. Liverpool, however, held on to secure all three points in a seven-goal encounter.
The victory gave Liverpool three wins from three matches in the Champions League league phase, while Ngumoha earned further recognition after becoming the club’s youngest player to register an assist in European competition, aged 18 years and 52 days.
The result underlined Liverpool’s attacking resilience, although their slow start and defensive errors offered clear reminders of the work still required despite their perfect European record.
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