Barcola hat-trick inspires Liverpool to six-goal win over LASK

Bradley Barcola scored his first Liverpool hat-trick as the Reds cruised to a 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK in Austria.

The French forward, who joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million during the summer, ended his six-game goal drought with three goals to help Andoni Iraola’s side secure their second consecutive win in the competition.

Liverpool broke the deadlock through Ronald Araujo, with Barcola scoring twice before half-time to put the visitors in three goals to the good.

Barcola ends goal drought with first-half double

Araujo headed home Kostas Tsimikas’ corner for his first goal for the club.

The tally was extended two minutes later through Barcola, who finished with his right foot after Lewis Koumas set him up following a brilliant run down the right by Rio Ngumoha.

The 23-year-old struck again shortly before half-time, finishing after Florian Wirtz played him through to give Liverpool a two-goal cushion.

After the break, Jeremie Frimpong extended Liverpool’s advantage with a header from another Tsimikas cross.

LASK reduced the deficit through Robert Ljubicic, but Barcola completed his hat-trick three minutes later, converting Frimpong’s delivery to delight the travelling Liverpool supporters.

Koumas joins scoring as LASK fight back

Koumas added Liverpool’s sixth goal after receiving another assist from Frimpong, further extending the visitors’ advantage to six goals.

However, LASK refused to give up and restored some pride with two goals in quick succession from Florian Flecker, making it 6-3.

Iraola made four changes to the side that lost to Manchester City on Sunday, including resting Virgil van Dijk, who came in as a substitute.

The victory gives Liverpool two wins from two matches in the competition as they continue their European campaign.

Liverpool will return to Premier League action against Brentford on Saturday before hosting Villarreal at Anfield next Tuesday.