Liverpool turn Champions League tie around to lead Villarreal at half-time

Liverpool recovered from a two-goal deficit to lead Villarreal 3-2 at half-time in their Champions League league-phase match.

Georges Mikautadze opened the scoring after Virgil van Dijk’s misplaced pass fell to him inside the penalty area. The Villarreal forward made no mistake with his finish to put the home side ahead.

Villarreal were still in front after 15 minutes, with Liverpool attempting to respond. Liverpool circulated the ball through midfield without creating a clear opening, while Santiago Mourino won a free-kick for Villarreal in the centre of the pitch.

Liverpool then came close from a corner. Kostas Tsimikas delivered into the penalty area and Van Dijk met the cross with a header, but his effort went wide of the goal.

Villarreal doubled their advantage through Sergi Cardona. Nathan Saliba played a pass behind the Liverpool defence, allowing Cardona to run through on goal before he finished from inside the penalty area.

A second Villarreal player was shown a yellow card as Liverpool continued to search for a way back into the match.

Liverpool reduced the deficit from another corner. Tsimikas sent the ball into the box, where Alexis Mac Allister rose to head it into the net.

The visitors then completed their comeback with a goal from Ronald Araujo. A cross into the Villarreal penalty area appeared to be left by a defender, who seemed to believe it would go behind for a goal-kick. The ball instead reached Araujo, who headed it into the net.

Liverpool were awarded three minutes of added time at the end of the first half before the interval.

The match coverage also named Rio Ngumoha, Alberto Moleiro and Tajon among the players involved, alongside Araujo, Mourino, Mac Allister, Tsimikas, Cardona, Saliba and Mikautadze.