Worst start of Iraola era? Virgil van Dijk howler gifts Villarreal shock opener as ‘lazy’ Liverpool capitulate
Van Dijk completely misjudged his header back to goalkeeper Alisson to give Villarreal a shock lead
Anfield fell silent as Virgil van Dijk's disastrous error gifted Villarreal the lead in the Champions League clash. The Liverpool captain misjudged his header, allowing Villarreal striker Georges Mikautadze to capitalize and finish past Alisson. Van Dijk's third error of the match's opening moments left Liverpool's back four struggling.
Mikautadze's goal came within the first 40 seconds, leaving the Spanish side to double their lead within half an hour through Sergi Cardona. The match marked the worst start of Iraola's tenure, with Liverpool's performance being described as "lazy" by Shearer. Despite a rocky start, Liverpool managed to level the score through goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Ronald Araujo before halftime.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Rio Ngumoha shines in comeback Villarreal win but unsung Liverpool hero was true star sports.yahoo.com
- ‘Ruthless’ teen Ngumoha inspires Liverpool comeback in Champions League winnipegfreepress.com
- UCL: Liverpool beat Villarreal 4-3 in seven-goal thriller punchng.com
- The night 'ruthless' Ngumoha came of age for Liverpool bbc.co.uk
