The result extended Liverpool’s perfect start to the Champions League league phase, giving them six points from their opening two matches. Ronald Araújo, Jeremie Frimpong and Lewis Koumas also scored in a nine-goal encounter at the Raiffeisen Arena.
Araújo and Barcola put Liverpool in control
Liverpool gradually took command after an open start to the match. The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Araújo rose to meet Kostas Tsimikas’ corner with a downward header, scoring his first goal for the club.
Barcola doubled the visitors’ advantage just two minutes later. Rio Ngumoha created the opening with an impressive run into the penalty area, and Lewis Koumas collected the loose ball before setting up the French forward for a first-time finish.
Liverpool continued to threaten, with Koumas having a goal ruled out for offside and Ryan Gravenberch striking the inside of the post.
Barcola then scored his second goal of the evening in the 37th minute, finishing from close range after Florian Wirtz supplied an incisive pass into the LASK penalty area.
Frimpong extends the advantage after the break
The visitors continued where they left off following the restart, making it 4-0 in the 51st minute.
Tsimikas delivered an inviting cross towards the far post, where Frimpong rose to direct a header beyond LASK goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth.
The Austrian side finally found a response in the 63rd minute when Robert Ljubicic scored from close range, but Liverpool quickly restored their four-goal cushion.
Barcola completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, converting Frimpong’s low cross at the back post to cap an outstanding individual performance.
The goal marked a significant moment for the forward, who had been seeking his first goals for Liverpool since joining the club.
Koumas scores as LASK fight back
Liverpool’s sixth goal arrived in the 72nd minute when Koumas finished from close range after another excellent delivery from Frimpong.
LASK refused to give up, however, and Florian Flecker scored twice in quick succession in the 74th and 77th minutes to reduce the deficit.
The late goals made the scoreline more respectable for the hosts, but Liverpool had already established an unassailable advantage.
Despite conceding three times, the Reds’ attacking quality and efficiency ensured they left Austria with all three points.
Liverpool maintain perfect Champions League start
The victory gives Liverpool maximum points from their first two league-phase matches and provides a strong response after their recent domestic defeat by Manchester City.
Manager Andoni Iraola also rotated his side, with Tsimikas captaining the team and young players including Trey Nyoni and Ngumoha featuring in the starting line-up.
Liverpool’s next Champions League assignment is against Villarreal at Anfield on Tuesday, where they will look to continue their winning start.
For Barcola, the hat-trick was the headline achievement of a memorable evening, while Araújo and Koumas also had reasons to celebrate their contributions to an emphatic European victory.
Match details
Goalscorers
• Liverpool: Ronald Araújo 22', Bradley Barcola 24', 37', 66', Jeremie Frimpong 51', Lewis Koumas 72'
• LASK: Robert Ljubicic 63', Florian Flecker 74', 77'
