Bradley Barcola delivered a standout performance for Liverpool, scoring his first career hat-trick in a 6-3 Champions League win against LASK. The French forward's three goals proved crucial as Liverpool returned to winning ways after a 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
Manager Andoni Iraola expressed his delight for Barcola, stating, "I'm really happy for Bradley." Iraola had defended Barcola and Florian Wirtz, who cost £123m and £116m respectively, against pre-match questions about their form, insisting he trusted them "100%". Wirtz also contributed with an assist in the match.
Liverpool's dominance was evident in the first half, where they raced to a three-goal lead and registered 19 shots, the most by any team in the first half of a Champions League away match since 2003-04. Other goal scorers included Ronald Araujo and Lewis Koumas, with Jeremie Frimpong and Kostas Tsimikas providing multiple assists.
Despite conceding three goals in the second half, the victory was secured. Barcola will now aim to replicate this form in the Premier League, with Liverpool set to visit Brentford on Saturday.