HIS NAME IS RIO: Andoni Iraola learns valuable lesson as Liverpool starlet Rio Ngumoha inspires comeback win over Villarreal in seven-goal Champions League thriller

This was some introduction to thrilling European nights at Anfield for Andoni Iraola. Liverpool had to stage one of their great comebacks to recover from 2-0 down to run out comfortable winners to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Champions League.

And in doing so, 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha gave another tantalising glimpse of his brilliant potential with two assists and a sensational man-of-the-match display. Ngumoha was the most exciting and dynamic player on the pitch while Alexis Mac Alilster scored twice while Ronald Araujo and Florian Wirtz were also on target in a thrilling roller coaster ride.

Liverpool managers down the years have been judged as a success or failure based on their record in European football. There is an expectation at Anfield because the club is steeped in tradition and success together with a wonderful history of great European nights.

But it is still dangerous for any manager to roll the dice in the way that Iraola gambled on not starting any of his three £100million-plus stars Bradley Barcola, Wirtz and Alexander Isak were on the bench. That spoke volumes about Liverpool’s approach as they faced Villarreal but already with half an eye on Brighton this weekend.

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And taking your eye off the ball can quickly come back to bite you. Yes, it is only the league phase of the Champions League but, equally, you do not expect to be relying on great Anfield fight backs at this early stage.

At least it was an entertaining and dramatic contest which is not always the case in this league format. Villarreal provided the jeopardy and Liverpool the errors and thrilling rollercoaster ride.

The first Villarreal goal came within four minutes. Villarreal defender Renato Veiga hit a long ball, Virgil van Dijk was horribly exposed as he was too casual, misplaced a header and that allowed striker Georges Mikautadze to nip in and fire a low shot past keeper Alisson Becker.

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That stunned Anfield into silence. It quickly got worse. Nathan Saliba’s pass split the Liverpool defence, Kostas Tsimikas played Segi Cordona onside and the Villarreal defender slipped the ball past Allison. Liverpool were at sixes and sevens.

Then after 36 minutes, they hauled themselves back into the contest. Tsimikas’ near post corner was flicked home by Mac Allister. The fact that Mac Allister looked the smallest player on the pitch says a lot about the marking.

Deep into first half injury time, Liverpool were level. Ngumoha, the teenage darling of the Kop, supplied a lovely, teasing cross to the back post and, while Cardona hesitated, reds defender Araujo sneaked in to head home.

However, Araujo’s reward was to be substituted at half time as Iraola brought on Wirtz in his place to go all-out attack to win. Iraola’s bravery was rewarded.

After near misses, Liverpool just found a way. Or, more to the point, Ngumoha found a way. The Liverpool winger tore down the right, beat two defenders with his pace and strength, cut the ball back and there was Mac Allister to smash home.

Soon after, it was 4-2. Cody Gakpo cut the ball back for Wirtz who fired home into the far corner. Liverpool were then given a late scare as Villarreal substitute Tani Oluwaseyi got a third for the visitors to set up a tense finish.