Liverpool’s new French striker Bradley Barcola delivered a sensational debut for the club by netting a hat‑trick in a 6‑3 triumph over Austrian champions LASK Linz in the Champions League. The 24‑year‑old, who joined Liverpool from Paris Saint‑Germain in a deal that could reach £123 million, had not scored in his first six appearances for the Reds. His three goals, all scored in the first 66 minutes, gave him his first hat‑trick in a senior match and helped Liverpool to a record‑setting nine‑goal European game.
The match, played at Anfield on Wednesday, saw Liverpool dominate from the outset. Barcola opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a lay‑off from Lewis Koumas, and he added a second in the 37th minute, finishing a quick counter‑attack set up by Florian Wirtz. A third came just two minutes later when Jeremie Frimpong headed a tap‑in from a corner. By the 51st minute, the Reds were leading 6‑1, with Frimpong adding a fourth from the right post. LASK Linz pulled one back in the 63rd minute through Robert Ljubičić, but Liverpool’s attack continued to press, and Barcola sealed his hat‑trick with a simple finish in the 66th minute.
The victory also marked the first Champions League goal for Ronald Araújo, who had joined Liverpool on loan from Barcelona, and the first for 21‑year‑old forward Lewis Koumas. Liverpool’s 6‑3 win is the highest‑scoring European match for the club since their 5‑4 victory over Alavés in the 2001 UEFA Cup final. LASK Linz, who had lost 3‑0 to Manchester City earlier that week, managed to make the scoreline respectable by scoring a late double from Florian Flecker, who finished with a diving header in the 74th minute.
Liverpool’s manager Jürgen Klopp praised Barcola’s performance, noting that the striker had “shown great confidence” after missing chances against Atlético Madrid the previous month. Klopp also highlighted the contribution of the younger players, especially Koumas, who had scored his first Champions League goal. The win keeps Liverpool in a strong position in the group, having already secured back‑to‑back victories in the competition.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will prepare for their next Champions League fixture, while LASK Linz will focus on regrouping after a spirited comeback. The Reds’ offensive firepower, now led by Barcola’s impressive debut, will be a key factor as they aim to advance further in Europe.