Liverpool's early dominance in Austria fuels Barcola's hat‑trick against LASK

On Wednesday 14, Liverpool travelled to the Oberösterreich Arena in Austria for the second group‑stage match of the 2026/27 Champions League, where they faced LASK. The English side established a comfortable first‑half advantage and resisted a late home‑team surge, while French forward Bradley Barcola completed his inaugural hat‑trick.

First‑half fluency and the opening goals

Andoni Iraola’s LASK struggled to contain Liverpool’s early pressure. At 22 minutes Araújo headed in from a corner to make it 1‑0. Two minutes later Barcola doubled the lead after a swift move involving Ngumoha. He completed the half‑time trio at 37 minutes with a left‑footed strike inside the box, assisted by Wirtz.

Second‑half extensions and LASK’s response

The Reds kept the momentum, and five minutes into the second period Frimpong headed home from a Tsimikas cross, making it 4‑0. Barcola added his third after a quick pass from Frimpong, sealing the hat‑trick. Koumas appeared to score a fifth, but it was ruled out for offside.

LASK managed to pull one back when Ljubicic found the net at 17 minutes, before Flecker struck twice in quick succession at 28 and 32 minutes, reducing the deficit. Despite the late goals, Liverpool held on for the win.

Liverpool chase confidence in Austria as LASK seek first European points

The result marked Liverpool’s second group‑stage victory, following a 2‑1 opening win over Atlético Madrid. LASK, meanwhile, remain winless after a 1‑0 loss to AEK Athens in the first round.

Barcola’s three‑goal haul was the standout feature, giving him the first hat‑trick of his career in European competition. His performance, alongside contributions from Araújo, Frimpong and Koumas, underscored Liverpool’s attacking depth.

Barcola shines in Linz as Liverpool dominate LASK in Champions League

For LASK, the two goals from Ljubicic and Flecker offered a glimpse of resilience, but the early deficit proved too large to overturn.