Barcola hat-trick propels Liverpool to 6-3 win over LASK in Champions League

Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick as Liverpool defeated Austrian side LASK 6-3 in a UEFA Champions League match at LASK’s home on October 14, 2026.

LASK were making their first appearance at home in Europe's elite club competition as Champions League newcomers, and the result spoiled that debut. The victory also served as an emphatic response to Sunday's 3-0 Premier League defeat by Manchester City, with Andoni Iraola's side registering the turnaround in Austria.

Barcola’s three goals were his first for Liverpool and provided respite after a slow start to his tenure at the club; the French forward had faced growing scrutiny following his big-money move. His hat-trick formed the offensive foundation of Liverpool’s six-goal haul.

Ronald Araujo opened his Liverpool account in the game, Jeremie Frimpong added a headed goal, and Lewis Koumas finally scored after being denied twice by the offside flag earlier in the match. Those contributions complemented Barcola’s scoring burst.

Liverpool’s defensive frailties drew criticism after Florian Flecker struck twice within three second-half minutes and Robert Ljubicic also found the net for LASK. Iraola will be less satisfied with Liverpool’s defensive display given the three goals conceded.

The result followed Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener, while LASK began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to AEK Athens in September.

That match was Manchester City's first since being found guilty of 114 breaches of financial rules and they host two-time defending champions Paris St Germain later on Wednesday.