Bradley Barcola Scores Hat-Trick as Liverpool Thrash LASK 6-3 in Champions League

Barcola shines as Liverpool claim another Champions League victory

Bradley Barcola delivered the performance Liverpool supporters had been waiting for, scoring a stunning hat-trick as the Reds defeated LASK Linz 6-3 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter on Wednesday night.

The French forward had arrived at Liverpool with enormous expectations following his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, but his opening weeks at Anfield had not produced the attacking numbers many expected. That changed emphatically in Austria as Barcola scored three times to lead Liverpool to a convincing victory.

The result means Liverpool have now won both of their opening Champions League league-phase matches after previously defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield. ⁠

For Barcola, however, the night was about far more than another three points. It was the moment he finally opened his Liverpool account and showed why the club invested heavily in bringing him to Merseyside.

Barcola’s Liverpool journey

Liverpool officially completed the signing of Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain on August 31, 2026, with the Frenchman signing a long-term contract and taking the No.29 shirt. He joined after three successful seasons in Paris, where he made 152 appearances, scoring 39 goals and providing 35 assists. ⁠

His spell with PSG was filled with major achievements. Barcola won three Ligue 1 titles and was part of the Parisian side that secured back-to-back Champions League triumphs. His performances also established him as an important member of the France national team.

Liverpool viewed him as a player capable of operating across the front three, offering pace, direct running and creativity. The club’s official profile describes him as a forward with the ability to play in different attacking positions. ⁠

His move to Anfield represented a major new chapter in his career. Barcola made his Liverpool debut as a second-half substitute in the Premier League victory over Ipswich Town before earning his first Champions League start against Atletico Madrid. ⁠

Although he had shown flashes of his ability, goals had proved difficult to find during his early appearances. That frustration finally disappeared against LASK.

Liverpool take control from the beginning

Liverpool entered the match looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City. Manager Andoni Iraola made several changes to his starting XI, with Virgil van Dijk among those rested.

The Reds immediately established control in Austria.

Ronald Araújo opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when he rose highest from a corner to head Liverpool in front. It was his first goal for the club since arriving from Barcelona. ⁠

Just two minutes later, Barcola doubled the advantage.

Rio Ngumoha’s movement helped create the opportunity before Lewis Koumas played the ball into Barcola’s path. The Frenchman made no mistake, sweeping the finish beyond the goalkeeper to register his first goal for Liverpool.

The breakthrough appeared to release a huge weight from Barcola’s shoulders.

Liverpool continued to dominate possession and territory, with Florian Wirtz becoming increasingly influential in the attacking areas. In the 37th minute, Wirtz produced an excellent pass into Barcola’s path, allowing the Frenchman to calmly guide his second goal of the evening into the net. ⁠

Liverpool therefore went into half-time with a commanding 3-0 advantage.

The dominance of the opening period was reflected in the statistics. Liverpool produced 19 attempts during the first half, the most recorded by an away side in a Champions League first half since records began in the 2003-04 season. ⁠

Frimpong and Koumas join the party

Liverpool showed no signs of slowing down after the interval.

Jeremie Frimpong extended the advantage in the 51st minute, rising to meet a cross and heading the ball into the bottom corner. It was another indication of how effectively Liverpool were exploiting spaces around the LASK defence.

The hosts eventually found a response when Robert Ljubicic reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute.

Any hopes of a comeback, however, were quickly extinguished.

Three minutes later, Barcola completed his hat-trick.

Frimpong raced forward before sending a low delivery across the face of goal. Barcola was perfectly positioned at the far post and applied the finishing touch to make it 5-1.

It was the first hat-trick of Barcola’s Liverpool career and, according to reports, the first professional treble of his career. ⁠

Lewis Koumas then added Liverpool’s sixth goal in the 72nd minute after finally getting on the scoresheet following two earlier efforts that had been ruled out for offside.

LASK managed to make the final stages more uncomfortable than Liverpool would have wanted. Florian Flecker scored twice in the space of four minutes to make the scoreline 6-3, but the Austrian side never looked capable of completing an extraordinary comeback. ⁠

Barcola named Man of the Match

Unsurprisingly, Barcola emerged as the standout player of the night.

The Frenchman was named Man of the Match by Flashscore, while Liverpool-focused outlet This Is Anfield also selected him for its own Man of the Match award. ⁠

His three goals were accompanied by intelligent movement, direct running and a constant threat to the LASK defence.

The performance also represented an important response to the pressure surrounding his start at Liverpool. Before the game, Barcola had gone six appearances for the club without a goal or assist, making his breakthrough in Austria particularly significant. ⁠

For a player who arrived with the reputation of being one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers, the hat-trick could prove to be the confidence boost he needed.

A perfect Champions League start for Liverpool

Liverpool’s victory keeps them perfect after two Champions League matches. They began the campaign with the comeback win over Atletico Madrid before producing another impressive result on the road against LASK.

The victory also gives Iraola an immediate response to the disappointment of the Manchester City defeat.

There were still concerns for Liverpool, particularly defensively. Conceding three goals after establishing a five-goal advantage will give the coaching staff plenty to analyse, especially with more demanding matches ahead.

Nevertheless, the attacking display provided plenty of encouragement.

Barcola finally delivered the statement performance expected of him. Wirtz looked dangerous and supplied a superb assist, Frimpong contributed a goal and key attacking involvement, while Koumas eventually got his reward after an eventful evening.

For Barcola, the night will stand out above everything else.

His Liverpool career had started with questions over when his first goal would arrive. Against LASK, he answered those questions with three.

The Frenchman now has his first Liverpool goals, his first hat-trick for the club and a Champions League Man of the Match award.

More importantly, Liverpool have six points from their opening two European matches.

After a difficult afternoon against Manchester City, the Reds responded in emphatic fashion in Austria. And with Barcola finally finding his scoring touch, Liverpool may have discovered another dangerous weapon for the rest of their Champions League campaign. ⁠