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Liverpool showed tremendous character to overturn a two-goal deficit and secure a dramatic 4-3 Champions League victory at Anfield.
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Alexis Mac Allister played a decisive role in Liverpool’s remarkable turnaround, pulling one back with a glancing header before firing home a second-half tap-in to put the hosts ahead for the first time.
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Rio Ngumoha impressed with his attacking threat and excellent decision-making, providing a delightful assist for Araujo’s equaliser as Iraola praised his contribution, work rate and desire to keep improving.
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The Reds secured their third consecutive victory in the competition to move to nine points, demonstrating their attacking quality and resilience while surviving a late Villarreal rally that threatened to deny them maximum points.
October 20, (THEWILL) – Liverpool survived a late scare from Villarreal to earn a 4-3 win in a Champions League clash at Anfield on Tuesday.
Andoni Iraola made six changes from the side that defeated Brentford 2-1 in the Premier League last weekend.
The Spanish team raced to a 2-0 lead inside the first 30 minutes before the hosts turned it around to grab the maximum points.
Alexis Mac Allister reduced the deficit for Liverpool with a glancing header from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.
Araujo brought Liverpool back into the game on the stroke of half-time following a delightful assist from Rio Ngumoha.
Mac Allister gave Liverpool the lead in the 65th minute with a tap-in.
Three minutes later, Wirtz doubled Liverpool’s advantage with a left-footed finish.
Liverpool survived a late rally from Villarreal after Tani Oluwaseyi finished off Ayoze Perez’s cross to make it 4-3.
The Reds have now won their first three matches in the Champions League to earn nine points.
Liverpool coach, Andoni Iraola was full of praise for young star Rio Ngumoha following his impressive performance in the encounter.
He said: “I think he was coming from a very good second half against Brentford.
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“Today he didn’t have an easy game because they were demanding him defensively but offensively he’s very difficult to stop.
“If we can put him in situations one-on-one where he can get into the box, normally he makes plays; he produces things.
“The assist for Alexis is lovely play. He can even go down for a penalty but decides to continue and makes a great decision.”
Iraola was pleased with Ngumoha’s attitude in the match.
He added: “Endurance-wise, he’s been able to play more minutes.
“We were pushing him a little bit, he was tired but he’s done a good effort and really happy for him.
“I’m happy with his attitude because he wants to improve the things we think he needs to improve.”
Liverpool will hope to continue their unbeaten start in the Champions League when they face Fenerbahce next week.
