Rio Ngumoha makes Champions League history as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid

Super Eagles-eligible forward, Rio Ngumoha, wrote his name into the history books on Wednesday night after making his UEFA Champions League debut in the Reds' thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead within the opening six minutes, with Andrew Robertson opening the scoring before Mohamed Salah doubled the advantage to the delight of the Anfield faithful.

Atletico, however, showed resilience and clawed their way back into the contest. Marcos Llorente netted a brace to bring the Spanish side level, leaving the game finely poised.

With both sides pushing for a late winner, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk rose to the occasion, scoring in stoppage time to seal all three points for Arne Slot's men.

While the victory was crucial, the spotlight also fell on 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who became Liverpool's youngest ever player to feature in a major European competition at 17 years and 19 days. 

He now sits just behind Jack Wilshere in the overall list of youngest English players to debut in the Champions League, with the former Arsenal midfielder achieving the feat at 16 years and 329 days.

Ngumoha joined Liverpool last summer from Chelsea and quickly made an impression during preseason, scoring against Athletic Bilbao, Stoke City, and Yokohama F. Marinos.

His rise continued into the Premier League, where he announced himself with a last-minute winner against Newcastle United at St. James' Park on his Premier League debut.

Born in England, Ngumoha has represented the country at various youth levels but remains eligible to play for the Super Eagles since he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Three Lions.

Adeyemi Adewale

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