Liverpool produced a stunning comeback at Anfield on Tuesday, defeating Villarreal 4-3 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League encounter to record a third consecutive win in this season's competition.

The Reds found themselves two goals behind inside the opening half-hour, yet turned the contest on its head thanks to a brace from Alexis Mac Allister, a header from Ronald Araujo, and a cool finish from Florian Wirtz — with Rio Ngumoha outstanding throughout.

A nightmare opening

The evening began badly when Virgil van Dijk's wayward header gifted Georges Mikautadze an early chance, and the striker made no mistake in the 4th minute — the earliest Liverpool had conceded at Anfield in a major European fixture in 25 years.

Villarreal compounded the hosts' misery in the 29th minute. A slick team move carved the Liverpool defence open, and Sergi Cardona raced clear to double the visitors' lead. At that point, the Spanish side's advantage looked fully deserved.

Ngumoha sparks the fightback

The turnaround began when Mac Allister rose to meet a Kostas Tsimikas corner, nodding Liverpool back into the contest on the stroke of half-time. Then, just before the break, Ngumoha's direct running caused chaos, and Araujo — unmarked at the far post while Cardona switched off — headed home to level at 2-2 heading into the interval.

Andoni Iraola's side were transformed after the restart. Ngumoha's dazzling wing play repeatedly exposed the Villarreal backline, and his direct running created the opening for Mac Allister to prod home his second in the 65th minute. Three minutes later, the recently introduced Wirtz added a fourth with a composed left-footed finish past Peter Gulacsi — his visible relief suggesting just how much the goal meant.

Nervy finish but three points secured

Villarreal refused to surrender, and Tani Oluwaseyi's goal in the 87th minute set up a tense conclusion. Liverpool have now conceded three goals in each of their past two Champions League outings, yet emerged victorious from both — a testament to their resilience, if not always their defensive discipline.

Three wins from three in this year's Champions League keeps Liverpool firmly on course for the knockout rounds.