Liverpool Put Six Past LASK as Barcola Leads the Way

Bradley Barcola delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a hat-trick as Liverpool defeated LASK 6-3 in a thrilling nine-goal Champions League encounter.

Liverpool fell behind in Austria when Ronald Araujo scored his first goal for the club, heading home a corner delivered by Kostas Tsimikas.

However, the visitors responded just two minutes later as Barcola opened his Liverpool account following his £123m summer move from Paris St-Germain.

The French forward finished confidently with his right foot after Lewis Koumas set him up, following an excellent run down the right by Rio Ngumoha.

Having failed to score or provide an assist in his first six appearances, Barcola quickly made up for lost time. He struck again shortly before half-time, getting on the end of a pass from Florian Wirtz to put Liverpool further ahead.

The Reds extended their advantage after the break when Jeremie Frimpong headed in a cross from Tsimikas to make it 4-1.

LASK responded through Robert Ljubicic, but their hopes of mounting a comeback were quickly weakened when Barcola completed his hat-trick three minutes later. The forward connected with Frimpong’s delivery to score his third goal of the evening, drawing loud celebrations from Liverpool’s travelling supporters.

Koumas added another goal for Liverpool, with Frimpong registering his second assist of the match.

The home side refused to give up entirely, however, as Florian Flecker scored twice in quick succession to reduce the deficit and make the final score 6-3.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola made four changes from Sunday’s defeat against Manchester City, including leaving captain Virgil van Dijk out of the starting line-up.

Despite the defensive changes and three goals conceded, Liverpool secured their second victory from two Champions League matches.

The Reds will now turn their attention to the Premier League, with a trip to Brentford on Saturday, before hosting Villarreal at Anfield next Tuesday.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Starting XI

Alisson — 7/10

Had little to do in the first half but was unable to prevent LASK from scoring three times after the break.

Jeremie Frimpong — 8/10

A major attacking threat from right-back. Scored a header and supplied two assists in an excellent display.

Ronald Araujo — 7/10

Moved into central defence with Van Dijk rested and opened the scoring for Liverpool with a powerful header from a corner.

Jeremy Jacquet — 7/10

Produced another encouraging performance. Liverpool did not concede while the young French defender was on the pitch.

Kostas Tsimikas — 8/10

Started as captain and delivered two assists. A strong performance that should provide a welcome boost to his confidence.

Trey Nyoni — 7/10

Was composed in possession and consistently looked to move the ball forward after earning a place in the starting line-up.

Ryan Gravenberch — 7/10

Played the full match and helped Liverpool control proceedings. His suspension for Saturday’s fixture meant he was available for the entire game.

Rio Ngumoha — 8/10

Made an important contribution to Liverpool’s second goal with an excellent run down the right and troubled the LASK defence throughout.

Florian Wirtz — 8/10

Showed significant improvement, nearly scoring a fine goal and providing the assist for Barcola’s second. The pair combined effectively in attack.

Bradley Barcola — 9/10

Liverpool’s standout performer. Scored a memorable hat-trick to open his account for the club and looked dangerous throughout, with opportunities to score even more.

Lewis Koumas — 8/10

Made his second consecutive start and delivered both a goal and an assist. A productive performance that rewarded his inclusion.

Substitutes

• Virgil van Dijk — 5/10: Replaced Jacquet in the 62nd minute.
• Joe Gomez — 5/10: Came on for Araujo in the 62nd minute.
• Victor Munoz — 5/10: Replaced Barcola in the 73rd minute.
• Alexis Mac Allister: Came on for Nyoni in the 85th minute.
• Luke Chambers: Replaced Ngumoha in the 85th minute.

Unused substitutes: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Kerkez, McConnell, Danns, Sonni-Lambie and Lucky.