UCL: Barcola Hat-Trick Inspires Liverpool to Thrilling 6-3 Win Over LASK

Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick as Liverpool secured a thrilling 6-3 victory over LASK in a nine-goal UEFA Champions League encounter in Austria.

Liverpool took the lead in the first half through Ronald Araujo, who scored his first goal for the club by heading home Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.

Barcola doubled Liverpool’s advantage just two minutes later, opening his account since joining from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million in the summer.

The French forward finished brilliantly with his right foot after Lewis Koumas set him up following an impressive run down the right flank by Rio Ngumoha.

Having failed to score or provide an assist in his first six appearances, Barcola found the net again shortly before half-time, finishing after being played through by Florian Wirtz.

Read Also: Mbappé To Remain France Captain Under Zidane

Liverpool continued their dominance after the break, with Jeremie Frimpong making it 4-0 with a header from Tsimikas’ cross.

LASK pulled a goal back through Robert Ljubicic, but Barcola restored Liverpool’s four-goal advantage three minutes later, completing his hat-trick after connecting with Frimpong’s delivery to delight the travelling supporters.

Koumas subsequently got on the scoresheet, with Frimpong providing another assist as Liverpool extended their lead to 6-1.

However, the hosts responded with two goals in quick succession from Florian Flecker to reduce the deficit and make it 6-3.

The result means Andoni Iraola’s side have now won both of their opening Champions League matches.

Iraola made four changes to the team that lost to Manchester City on Sunday, including resting captain Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool will return to Premier League action against Brentford on Saturday before hosting Villarreal at Anfield next Tuesday.