Rio Ngumoha played a decisive role as Liverpool recovered from a disastrous start to beat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield in the Champions League.
Liverpool fell two goals behind inside the opening half-hour but turned the match around through Alexis Mac Allister, Ronald Araujo, Mac Allister again and Florian Wirtz.
The result gave Andoni Iraola’s side a third victory in three European matches, although they were forced to withstand a late Villarreal fightback before securing the points.
Iraola made six changes from Saturday’s win at Brentford, with Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola and Wirtz among those named on the bench. Liverpool were immediately punished for a careless opening.
Renato Veiga sent a long pass forward which Virgil van Dijk appeared capable of dealing with, but the Liverpool captain’s header towards Alisson lacked power. Georges Mikautadze intercepted the ball and finished with his left foot to put Villarreal ahead.
The visitors doubled their advantage soon afterwards. Nathan Saliba found a straightforward pass through the centre of Liverpool’s defence and Sergi Cardona calmly placed the ball beyond Alisson, prompting wild celebrations among the 700 travelling Villarreal supporters.
Liverpool began their recovery in the 36th minute. Kostas Tsimikas delivered a corner which Mac Allister met with a header to reduce the deficit.
Ngumoha then produced the moment that brought Liverpool level before half-time. The 18-year-old lifted a finely weighted ball over the defence, allowing Araujo to run on and finish.
Araujo was withdrawn at the interval, with Wirtz introduced in his place. Ryan Gravenberch moved to right-back and Liverpool looked a significantly improved team after the restart.
Ngumoha was again central to the comeback when he went beyond Cardona and created a simple opportunity for Mac Allister, who tapped in to put Liverpool ahead for the first time.
Wirtz then extended the advantage with a left-footed finish, scoring his first club goal of the season and seemingly putting Liverpool in control.
Villarreal, however, refused to go quietly. Tani Oluwaseyi met a pass from Ayoze Perez and reduced the deficit to 4-3, setting up a tense finish at Anfield.
Liverpool held on to complete a comeback which had looked highly unlikely after their poor start. Ngumoha’s two assists provided the attacking spark, while Mac Allister’s two goals and Wirtz’s second-half contribution completed the turnaround.