Liverpool restored their confidence after a disappointing home loss to Manchester City by demolishing Austrian side LASK 6‑3 in their opening Champions League group match. The win kept the Reds’ perfect start to the campaign intact and sent the hosts packing in a display that left little doubt about the quality of Liverpool’s new-look squad.
Andoni Iraola’s men were in fine form from the first whistle. Bradley Barcola, who joined Liverpool from Paris Saint‑Germain for £123 million, opened the scoring with a hat‑trick that showcased his pace, finishing ability and composure in front of goal. Ronald Araújo also found the net, giving the defender his first goal for the club in a game that felt restorative after the team’s early defeat. The Austrian capital’s home crowd, which had gathered for the club’s first Champions League proper match, watched as the Reds dominated possession and created 19 chances, the most by an away side in the first half of a Champions League game since records began in 2003‑04.
Iraola made several tactical adjustments, resting captain Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to manage workloads before the upcoming Premier League clash with Brentford. The new central‑defence partnership of Araújo and Jérémy Jacquet was tested by LASK’s forwards Samuel Adeniran and Krystof Danek but held firm, allowing the Reds to control the game. Araújo’s own attacking contributions were notable, with a headed goal from a Kostas Tsimikas corner and a clever pass that set up Barcola’s first strike.
The first half saw Liverpool’s dominance reflected in a 2‑0 lead by the 96th minute. Barcola’s second goal came after a quick combination with Florian Wirtz, who had been under scrutiny for a lack of goals or assists in his first six appearances. Wirtz’s vision and Barcola’s clinical finish gave Liverpool a comfortable cushion before the break. LASK’s attempts were largely ineffective, and their lack of possession left them vulnerable to Liverpool’s relentless pressure.
In the second half, Liverpool continued to press. Jeremie Frimpong headed home a cross from Tsimikas, while Alisson’s clean sheet was broken by LASK substitute Robert Ljubicic, who slotted a close‑range shot into the near post. Barcola completed his hat‑trick with a simple finish after a cross from Ngumoha, and Frimpong provided the assist for Koumas’ goal. LASK managed to reduce the deficit with two quick strikes from substitute Florian Flecker, but the Reds’ superiority was undeniable.
The 6‑3 victory not only reaffirmed Liverpool’s status as a top contender in Europe but also gave Bradley Barcola a strong start to his Liverpool career. With the win, the Reds maintain a perfect record in the group stage and look forward to their next Champions League encounter, confident that their recent form will carry them through the group and into the knockout rounds.