Liverpool v Villarreal
Play By Play
Extending their perfect start to the Champions League campaign, an imperfect performance from Liverpool sees them edge out Villarreal. Inspired by Ngumoha, the Reds eventually win 4-3 at Anfield, having recovered from two goals down to lead by two themselves, then conceded to set up an anxious finale. Helped by some slack work from their hosts, Villarreal seized the lead through Mikautadze - who was virtually gifted the opener by Van Dijk - and Cardona was the beneficiary of some more dubious defending as the visitors moved further in front. However, they crucially stepped off the gas as half-time approached, and Mac Allister's header halved Liverpool's deficit before Araujo nodded in during first-half stoppage time. After the break, with Wirtz sent on to replace Araujo, Iraola's side were transformed, and they deserved to go ahead when Mac Allister struck again. The deal looked all but sealed when Wirtz added a fourth, but Villarreal sub Oluwaseyi neatly finished at the back post to revive the visitors' hopes. Liverpool (2.37 xG) still held on to claim maximum points, and they've posted three wins in the space of eight days ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with high-flying Brighton. Meanwhile, Villarreal (1.58 xG) must rally in time for Saturday's local derby against LaLiga strugglers Valencia. That's all from our live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
FULL-TIME: LIVERPOOL 4-3 VILLARREAL
Teed up by Gueye around 20 yards out, Ayoze Perez surely wastes the last half-chance for Villarreal to steal a draw. His tame shot hits the first defender.
There will be a minimum of three added minutes at the end of this match. Can Liverpool hang on and maintain their perfect Champions League record? They're on the brink of three wins from three in this season's league phase.
Oluwaseyi has now scored four goals in his last six Champions League appearances, with three coming as a substitute. That strike has reignited this contest, but time is running out for Villarreal to snatch a late point.
Substitute Ayoze Perez sends over an inviting cross from the right byline to set up Villarreal's third goal and keep the Spanish side's dreams alive.
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!! VILLARREAL REDUCE THEIR DEFICIT! Can the Yellow Submarine rise from the depths? Yet more slack Liverpool defending allows the lively Ayoze Perez to reach the right byline, from where he lofts a cross towards the back post. Unmarked, Oluwaseyi drives into the bottom corner with a smooth first-time finish: it's now just 4-3 to Liverpool at Anfield!
After Ayoze Perez battles his way past three men, he cuts the ball back to the edge of Liverpool's area for Moreno. The veteran striker then lets fly with a left-footed curler, but it misses the target by several yards.
Since half time, Liverpool have increased their possession share by 4%, while taking 13 shots to Villarreal's four. Compared to the opening half-hour, it's been quite a revival by the Reds.
Iraola now adds fresh legs in midfield, with McConnell taking Nyoni's place.
It'll be more English woe for Villarreal. They're set to lose 10 straight games to Premier League clubs in the Champions League - they've also won none of the last 16.
Surely defeated, Villarreal play their final card. Replacing Comesana for the closing stages, Moreno has been directly involved in seven goals from just 639 minutes of Champions League football for the Spanish club, and he'll need to continue in that vein today.
Another tired touch from the Villarreal defence gifts possession to Wirtz, who quickly links up with fellow substitute Isak. However, the Swedish striker then cuts inside and thumps a rising 20-yarder high over the top.
There's also a straight swap at the back, as Gomez replaces Jacquet alongside Van Dijk.
With the points looking relatively safe, Iraola decides to withdraw the main star of this game. Ngumoha departs to a standing ovation and echoing chants of 'Rio!', as Barcola runs on to replace him.
Ultimately flagged for offside, Ayoze Perez beats Alisson with a low drive, but it rebounds off the foot of the left-hand post.
Alisson completes a straightforward save when Gueye is played through by Ayoze Perez and sweeps a low first-time shot towards the target.
Is Wirtz finally adapting to life at Liverpool? The German star has recorded a goal involvement in three successive appearances for the first time since arriving in England.
Given some space by Villarreal's tiring back line, Gakpo strides into the area and completes an accurate pass inside for Wirtz.
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!! WIRTZ JOINS THE PARTY! Surely that wins it for Liverpool? After Tsimikas wins possession and feeds Gakpo, the latter cruises into the box. He then picks out Wirtz, who neatly slots the ball through Veiga's legs and into the bottom-right corner! What a turnaround by the Reds; they lead 4-2 at Anfield!
Adding to the visitors' woes, Liverpool send on Isak for the final stages. Koumas will make way.
Setting up his second goal of the game, Liverpool's creative spark shines again. Ngumoha finds Mac Allister after making space from nothing with a typically dazzling dribble.
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! LIVERPOOL LEAD 3-2! The comeback is complete! Main man Ngumoha steals away from Cardona on the right wing, then races to the byline. Once again, the young forward keeps calm when it matters most, picking out Mac Allister in the centre. With a first-time finish via the crossbar, the latter scores his second goal of the game! Villarreal have crumbled at Anfield!
Tsimikas holds his head in his hands, after a firm cross from the left flies inches above the waiting head of Koumas, who was lurking inside the six-yard box. Liverpool are really pushing for that crucial third goal.
CLOSE! Slipping as he strikes from the very brink of the box, Nyoni sends a fierce shot narrowly wide! The young midfielder still makes clean contact, sending the ball whistling just past the right-hand post!
