Liverpool overturn two-goal deficit to beat Villarreal 4-3

Liverpool came from two goals down to beat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield on Tuesday, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring twice to preserve their perfect start to the Champions League campaign. The win put Andoni Iraola’s side alongside Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table on nine points from three games, but the Liverpool manager warned that his team could not afford to relax.

Villarreal led 2-0 inside 30 minutes through Georges Mikautadze and Sergi Cardona. Liverpool drew level before half-time through Mac Allister and Ronald Araujo, then went 4-2 up after the break before Tani Oluwaseyi’s late goal left them holding on for the win.

Villarreal seize control before Liverpool respond

The visitors went ahead after four minutes when Virgil van Dijk miscued an attempted header back to Alisson Becker, allowing Mikautadze to finish from close range. Cardona added the second after Nathan Saliba picked out his run from left-back.

Liverpool had offered little in attack before Mac Allister headed in from a Kostas Tsimikas corner. Rio Ngumoha then crossed towards the back post, where Araujo arrived to head the equaliser after Cardona let the ball go.

Villarreal coach Inigo Perez had previously worked under Iraola at Rayo Vallecano. His side caused Liverpool problems at times during the opening half, despite surrendering their two-goal advantage before the interval.

Ngumoha helps complete the turnaround

Araujo made way for Florian Wirtz at half-time, and Liverpool took control after the restart. Ngumoha’s low cross from the right found Mac Allister, who struck his second goal in off the underside of the bar 25 minutes from time.

Three minutes later, Cody Gakpo set up Wirtz for his first goal of the season. Ngumoha finished with two assists, prompting Mac Allister to say of the 18-year-old: “He was amazing tonight. He made the difference.”

Liverpool still had to withstand a late response. Oluwaseyi connected with Ayoze Perez’s cross to cut the deficit to one goal, but Villarreal could not find an equaliser.

Iraola warns against easing off

Iraola said Villarreal had been the better side for the first 30 to 35 minutes, while Liverpool had been stronger for a similar spell after half-time. Reflecting on both the slow start and the goal conceded after Liverpool went 4-2 ahead, he added: “You cannot relax.”

Liverpool are closing in on the last 16, while Villarreal have three points from their opening three Champions League games. Iraola’s side next host Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.