'I wanted to prove I can play at this level' - Ngumoha speaks after Liverpool's win against Lookman's Atletico
Liverpool came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Ademola Looklman's Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener on Wednesday night, with Rio Ngumoha in action for 60 minutes.
Against the Spanish giants, the England youth international of Nigerian descent made his first Champions League start, having previously made four substitute appearances during the 2025-2026 season.
Marcos Llorente put the visitors ahead, but Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister scored either side of half-time to complete Liverpool's comeback.
Ngumoha expressed his delight after helping the Reds secure a victory over a stubborn Atletico Madrid side at Anfield.
Speaking to LFC TV after the game, the teenage winger revealed that manager Andoni Iraola’s half-time instructions focused on improving Liverpool’s pressing and working more effectively as a unit.
"[We just discussed] a couple of details, how to press as a team. Once it worked, it was great.
"The gaffer put faith in me today, and I just wanted to prove to him and prove to myself that I can play at this level," Ngumoha was quoted as saying by UEFA's official website.
On the Liverpool supporters, he added: "The crowd was amazing today. We have a lot of fight as a team, especially under the new coach. You saw our courage today. In the second half, we came out flying."
Liverpool are currently ninth in the provisional Champions League standings with three points, level with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have a superior goal difference after a 6-1 rout of ŠK Slovan Bratislava.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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