Barcola hat-trick inspires Liverpool to emphatic Champions League win over LASK

The 123 million pound signing from Paris Saint-Germain had gone six appearances without a goal or assist, attracting scrutiny amid Liverpool's inconsistent start to the season. However, the French winger delivered an emphatic response on a night when the visitors dominated despite conceding three late goals.

Liverpool had suffered their first defeat of the season against Manchester City on Sunday, but wasted little time putting that disappointment behind them in Linz.

On-loan Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo opened the scoring midway through the first half, rising above his marker to head home Kostas Tsimikas' corner. Barcola struck less than two minutes later, sweeping home from close range after Rio Ngumoha's driving run was kept alive by Lewis Koumas.

The winger doubled his tally before the break, finishing calmly after Florian Wirtz picked him out with a precise pass into the penalty area. Liverpool could have extended their advantage further before half-time, with Ryan Gravenberch hitting the inside of the post and Koumas having a goal ruled out for offside.

The visitors registered 19 attempts in the opening 45 minutes alone, underlining their superiority against the Austrian champions.

Jeremie Frimpong made it 4-0 shortly after the restart, climbing to head in another excellent Tsimikas delivery. LASK briefly threatened to disrupt Liverpool's procession when substitute Robert Ljubicic pulled one back, but Barcola completed his hat-trick with a simple finish at the far post after Frimpong delivered a low cross across goal.

Koumas then got the goal his performance deserved, converting from close range after Frimpong again provided the assist. The 21-year-old had seen two earlier efforts disallowed for offside on his first Champions League start.

LASK managed to make the scoreline more respectable through Florian Flecker, who struck twice in quick succession, but the late goals did little to diminish Liverpool's commanding performance.

Liverpool now turn their attention to Saturday's Premier League trip to Brentford before returning to Anfield to face Villarreal next Tuesday.

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