UCL: Barcola hat-trick inspires Liverpool to 6-3 win over LASK

Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick as Liverpool thrashed LASK 6-3 to secure their second consecutive victory in the UEFA Champions League.

The French forward kick-started his Liverpool career with an outstanding performance after failing to score or provide an assist in his first six appearances following his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

Liverpool took the lead in Austria through Ronald Araujo, who scored his first goal for the club with a header from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.

Two minutes later, Barcola opened his Liverpool account after Lewis Koumas set him up following a brilliant run down the right by Rio Ngumoha. The Frenchman finished confidently with his right foot to restore Liverpool’s advantage.

Barcola doubled his tally just before half-time, running through on goal after being played in by Florian Wirtz to put Liverpool in a commanding position.

Jeremie Frimpong extended the visitors’ lead after the break, heading home a Tsimikas cross to make it 4-1.

LASK responded through Robert Ljubicic, but Liverpool quickly regained control as Barcola completed his hat-trick three minutes later. The forward finished off Frimpong’s delivery to cap an impressive individual display and delight the travelling Liverpool supporters.

Koumas added Liverpool’s sixth goal, converting another Frimpong assist as the winger registered his second assist of the match.

However, LASK refused to give up and restored some pride with two goals in quick succession from Florian Flecker, leaving the score at 6-3.

The result gives Liverpool two wins from two matches in the Champions League and provides a significant boost ahead of their domestic commitments.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola made four changes from Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City, including resting captain Virgil van Dijk, but his side still delivered an emphatic attacking performance.

Liverpool will travel to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday before returning to Anfield to face Villarreal next Tuesday.