Rio Ngumoha described it as a “dream” come true after inspiring Liverpool’s Champions League fightback at Anfield. The 18-year-old provided two assists as the Reds came back from 2-0 down to win 4-3, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring twice in a seven-goal thriller.
Record-breaking display
Ngumoha became the club’s youngest player to provide an assist in the competition as Liverpool made it three straight wins in the league phase. Goals from Mac Allister, Ronald Araujo and Florian Wirtz sealed the victory, but the England winger was the standout performer.
Ngumoha went off to a standing ovation when substituted and told Amazon Prime: “We have the best fans in the world and to hear my name chanted is a dream.”
Player reaction
“These records are amazing to break but winning is the most important. It was a top performance from the boys. We were two goals down but the mentality was always there. We knew we were going to win,” Ngumoha said.
“It's up there with one of the best I've played. I enjoyed myself and the team helped me a lot. Whenever I get the ball and there's an opportunity to go one-v-one or two-v-one, I believe in myself. I'll just keep going and be ruthless.”
Mac Allister tribute
Two-goal hero Mac Allister paid tribute to “amazing” Ngumoha. The Argentina midfielder also praised boss Andoni Iraola and said he hopes to change the club’s mind as he enters the final two years of his contract without a new offer.
Mac Allister said: “Rio, he was amazing tonight. He made the difference. He was really important and I'm glad for him.
“From the first day, I started seeing something with the manager. He's a nice guy, and the coaching staff is, too. We are going in the right direction but we need to work and put in everything. Hopefully, we can win some trophies.
“When I say what I said about my future, it was more about my emotions and feelings. That is their decision and it is fine with me. I do my best in training and in games. We will see what happens.”
