Liverpool secured a comfortable 6‑3 victory over Austrian champions LASK in the Champions League, earning back‑to‑back wins for the Reds. The match, played at Linz’s Raiffeisen Arena on 14 October 2026, saw Bradley Barcola deliver a sensational hat‑trick, while Florian Wirtz responded to recent criticism with a strong performance. Ronald Araujo also netted his first goal for the club, and Jeremie Frimpong and Lewis Koumas added further firepower in the second half.
The Reds began the game with an aggressive approach, registering 19 shots in the first half – a new record for an away side in a Champions League opening period. Araujo opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, leaping from a corner to head the ball past the LASK keeper. Barcola followed two minutes later with a composed finish from 12 yards, and then again in the 37th minute after a clever pass from Wirtz. By halftime, Liverpool led 3‑0, with LASK’s Robert Ljubicic pulling one back in the 63rd minute.
Liverpool’s dominance continued after the break. Frimpong headed in a cross from Kostas Tsimikas in the 51st minute, making it 4‑1. Lewis Koumas, who was starting in place of the injured Alexander Isak, had two attempts ruled out for offside before finally scoring in the 72nd minute to make it 5‑1. Barcola completed his hat‑trick with a tap‑in from a Frimpong cross in the 66th minute, his third goal of the night. LASK’s final goal came from Florian Flecker, who struck twice in quick succession in the 75th and 77th minutes, reducing the deficit to 5‑3.
Despite the late LASK goals, Liverpool’s performance was dominant. The Reds’ midfield, featuring Trey Nyoni and Ryan Gravenberch, controlled the tempo, while the defensive switch to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez in the 62nd minute proved effective, conceding only one more goal. Wirtz’s creativity was on full display, linking play and providing key passes that led to Barcola’s first two goals.
With the win, Liverpool extend their unbeaten run in the Champions League and move closer to the knockout stages. The victory also boosts confidence for the squad ahead of their upcoming matches, as they look to maintain momentum and secure a top spot in their group.