Liverpool survive Villarreal fightback to make it three Champions League wins

Liverpool held off a late Villarreal comeback to win 4-3 at Anfield on Tuesday evening and preserve their perfect start to this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign.

The visitors stunned the home side by taking the lead when Georges Mikautadze capitalised on an inaccurate header from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

Villarreal extended their advantage after 30 minutes. Sergi Cardona completed a rapid counter-attack, finishing after a well-weighted pass from Nathan Saliba had split the Liverpool defence.

Liverpool responded through Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who reduced the deficit six minutes later with a precise header from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.

The hosts then levelled just before half-time. Ronald Araujo met Rio Ngumoha’s curling delivery at the far post and headed past the Villarreal goalkeeper.

Liverpool began the second half on the front foot, with Cody Gakpo and Trey Nyoni both going close before the home side finally moved ahead in the 66th minute.

Ngumoha created the opening, teeing up Mac Allister for a straightforward tap-in to complete Liverpool’s turnaround and make it 3-2.

Three minutes later, Florian Wirtz added a fourth after another fluent Liverpool attack, with Gakpo providing the assist.

Villarreal refused to concede defeat and pulled another goal back in the 87th minute when Tani Oluwaseyi found the net.

Liverpool survived the closing stages, however, to claim a third consecutive victory in the competition this season.

“It definitely hasn’t been a boring game,” Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said.

“I think they’ve been much better than us, especially the first 30-35 minutes until the 2-0. We did much better than them in the second half, especially the 30-35 minutes until the fourth goal, probably.

“We’ve probably started too relaxed in the game and even at the end, at 4-2, you think it’s done, and they keep you there until the end, because they are a very good team.

“I value the three points a lot because we were facing a really good team today. I knew that because I know them very well and I know how good they are, and that’s the reason why I give importance and value to this win.”

Liverpool’s next UEFA Champions League fixture is scheduled to take place early next month against Turkish giants Fenerbahce.