Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson believes he has achieved a footballing first by having two red cards rescinded in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

The 29-year-old was initially dismissed in the 25th minute after catching former West Ham striker Enner Valencia with a high boot.

But replays changed the referee’s mind, before Alisson was similarly reprieved for a late foul on Ayrton Preciado.

“I think this was the first time this has happened,” said Alisson.

“I am happy with the VAR, if it wasn’t for the VAR we’d have been punished unfairly.

“I think my team-mates helped me a lot, they were incisive in their complaints to the referee. This shows once again the importance of using VAR in football.”

Alisson couldn’t prevent Felix Torres’ late header earning the hosts a draw in an eventful World Cup qualifier in which both sides had a player sent off, without VAR coming to their rescue.

Brazil, who have already qualified, went ahead through Casemiro’s close-range effort in the fifth minute.

Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez was sent off for a reckless challenge after 15 minutes, before Brazil’s Emerson Royal was dismissed five minutes later.

The hosts had a goal disallowed but Torres’ late header rescued a point.

Ecuador are third in the 10-nation South American qualifying standings – the top four qualify automatically for the World Cup.
Brazil have already qualified for this year’s finals in Qatar, along with Argentina.

Ecuador also had two penalty awards overturned by VAR – including one in second-half stoppage time.