Liverpool picked up their third consecutive UEFA Champions League victory with a 4-3 triumph over Villarreal – but it did not come easy.
The Reds were behind only four minutes into the game, with Georges Mikautadze scoring after a poor header from captain Virgil van Dijk.
By the 29th minute, Liverpool were 2-0 behind as a goal from Sergi Cardona added a second for Villarreal.
Seven minutes later, though, Alexis Mac Allister brought Liverpool back into the game, and new signing Ronald Araújo equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Mac Allister completed his brace in the 65th minute, three minutes before Florian Wirtz scored his first club goal of the season.
The fight was not over as Villarreal made it 4-3 in the 87th minute to produce a tense final few moments.
However, it was the Reds who came out on top, taking their points tally to nine and sitting only behind Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference.
Ngumoha stars
Eighteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha had an incredible night on Europe’s biggest stage.
The youngster provided two assists against Villarreal and was hard to stop, playing a lively game that significantly added to Liverpool’s attack.
“It’s up there with one of the best I’ve played. I enjoyed myself out there,” Ngumoha said to Amazon Prime after the game.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola was full of praise for his young winger.
“I think he was coming from a very good game the other day – he had a good second half against Brentford,” the Spaniard told Sky Sports.
“He didn’t have an easy game [against Villarreal] because they were demanding him defensively and their left-back was attacking a lot.
“There was a moment offensively where he was very difficult to stop. If we can put Rio in situations one against one, he makes plays, he produces things.
“The assist for Alexis is a lovely play – he could go down for a penalty but he decides to continue, which is a great decision.
“Also, endurance wise, he is able to play more and more minutes. We were pushing him a little bit, he was tired, but I think he has done a good effort and I’m very happy for him.
“I am happy with his attitude because he is eager to improve things that we think he needs to improve. He is eager to add more things to his game.
“He has been on the right lately. He is feeling more comfortable now, shooting on his left. He can add this to his game.
“He is only 18, still not the full package and it is not always going to be like this. There will be ups and downs in the process.”
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