Mac Allister double sparks Liverpool’s thrilling comeback win over Villarreal

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A brave move, although he would have been warmed by his team’s potent start against a much-changed host.Liverpool’s expensive attacking trio of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola were all on the bench as Iraola made six changes to the side that beat Brentford on Saturday. The rotation resulted in a second successive Champions League start for Trey Nyoni and Ryan Gravenberch shifting forward into Wirtz’s number ten role.Iraola’s rejigged team did not have time to find their rhythm before falling behind.

An error-strewn start by Van Dijk was responsible, and also in keeping with a ponderous opening half hour from Liverpool in which Villarreal passed their way around Anfield with style and precious little resistance.Alexis Mac Allister heads home to score Liverpool’s opening goal. There were apologies all round from Van Dijk.Villarreal doubled their lead with a goal that encapsulated the start made by both teams – the visitors passing their way through Liverpool’s midfield and picking holes in their high defensive line, with the home side slow to react.

Played onside by Kostas Tsimikas, the full-back beat Alisson with a finish a striker would have been happy with.Cardona’s defending was much less impressive as Liverpool, stung more by their own performance than the groans of the Anfield crowd, clawed their way back into the contest before half-time. The former Liverpool keeper could only stand and admire the midfielder’s header, while asking where a Villarreal challenge was.Villarreal had bigger questions to answer when their once comfortable lead vanished entirely with the final kick of the first half.