Ngumoha drives Liverpool to 4-3 Champions League win over Villarreal

Liverpool of England beat Spain's Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield on Tuesday night in the Champions League, Europe's top club football competition. The standout performer was 18-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who did not score but provided two assists and was given UEFA's player of the match award.

Liverpool were poor for much of the first half and trailed by two goals. Ngumoha began to turn the game around. After Alexis Mac Allister pulled one back, Ngumoha found space to chip a ball that Ronald Araujo converted for the equaliser. After the break, he went past Sergi Cardona to set up Mac Allister, who put Liverpool ahead. Florian Wirtz added a fourth goal that proved vital. Ngumoha was replaced in the 74th minute by Bradley Barcola, with the Anfield crowd repeatedly chanting his name.

Statistics and style

Ngumoha had 12 touches in the opposition box, completed seven of eight dribbles and registered two crucial assists. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson embraced him after the match.

The player said it was among the best games he has played, adding that he backs himself in one-on-one situations and intends to keep being ruthless. Former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge, speaking on Amazon Prime, praised his talent and work ethic.

Role and contract

Ngumoha grew up playing on the left, but has struggled for minutes there this season because Cody Gakpo and Barcola often occupy that flank. Head coach Andoni Iraola wants his wingers to be able to play on both sides, and Ngumoha's improvement on the right has been notable. The coach praised the player's attitude while stressing that, at 18, he is not yet the finished article.

Ngumoha's current contract, signed in September 2025, runs until 2028. Talks over a new deal on better terms are continuing and, according to the player, are going well.