Barcola's three goals power Liverpool's 6-3 win

Liverpool defeated Lask Linz 6-3 in the UEFA Champions League League Stage - 2 at Raiffeisen Arena, leading 3-0 at half-time. Bradley Barcola scored three of Liverpool's goals as the visitors turned sustained control into a convincing win, although Lask Linz finished strongly.

Barcola strikes three times as Liverpool build a lead

Ronald Araujo opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, assisted by Konstantinos Tsimikas, for 0-1. Barcola then made it 0-2 in the 24th minute, with Lewis Koumas providing the assist, before scoring again in the 37th minute after Florian Wirtz's assist to make it 0-3. The second goal gave Barcola two goals before the interval; his third completed a hat-trick in the match.

Jeremie Frimpong extended Liverpool's advantage to 0-4 in the 51st minute, assisted by Tsimikas. Lask Linz responded through Robert Ljubicic in the 63rd minute, assisted by Yvan Dibango, but Barcola restored Liverpool's four-goal advantage at 66' for 1-5 after Frimpong's assist. Lewis Koumas made it 1-6 in the 72nd minute, also assisted by Frimpong. Florian Flecker scored in the 74th minute for 2-6 and again in the 77th minute for the final 3-6, with Dibango assisting both goals.

Liverpool control the match despite late Lask response

Liverpool held 64% possession, completed 523 accurate passes and registered 26 shots to Lask Linz's 12. Their 20 shots inside the box and 9 shots on goal helped explain the scoreline, while Lask Linz's 2.06 expected goals and 4 shots on goal reflected their late threat. Daniel Elfadli received the only yellow card in the 80th minute; neither side had a player sent off.

Post-match table position

In the standings after this match, Liverpool are ranked #5 with 6 points from 2 games and a goal difference of 4. Lask Linz are ranked #33 with 0 points from 2 games and a goal difference of -4. Liverpool are 6 points ahead of Lask Linz, while Paris Saint Germain lead with 6 points. Frimpong was Liverpool's standout performer by rating, scoring 9.2 after 90 minutes with 1 goal and 2 assists.