Liverpool forward Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick to inspire the Reds to a 6-3 victory over Austrian side LASK in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, ending his goal drought following his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French forward had faced criticism over his performances since completing a £123m ($161m) transfer from PSG in August.
However, he responded emphatically by scoring his first goals for Liverpool in his seventh appearance for the club.
Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, rising above the LASK defence to head home Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.
Barcola doubled the visitors’ advantage just 96 seconds later, finishing off a move initiated by Rio Ngumoha, who dribbled into the hosts’ penalty area before setting up the Frenchman.
The 24-year-old extended Liverpool’s lead in the 37th minute after combining with Florian Wirtz.
The German midfielder played a precise return pass to Barcola, who fired past goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth to complete his first-half brace.
Jeremie Frimpong made it 4-0 in the 51st minute, heading home Tsimikas’ cross as Liverpool continued to dominate the Austrian champions.
LASK pulled one back in the 63rd minute through Robert Ljubicic, who finished calmly after receiving a pass from Yvan Dibango.
Barcola restored Liverpool’s four-goal advantage three minutes later, converting Frimpong’s pass with a composed finish to complete his hat-trick and cap an impressive individual performance.
Lewis Koumas added Liverpool’s sixth goal in the 72nd minute, unleashing a powerful strike after another assist from Frimpong.
However, Liverpool’s defensive frailties emerged in the closing stages despite the introduction of captain Virgil van Dijk and fellow defender Joe Gomez.
Florian Flecker scored twice, first with a diving header in the 74th minute before adding another from close range three minutes later.
The late goals did little to affect the outcome as Liverpool secured their second consecutive Champions League victory, having beaten Atletico Madrid in their opening fixture to maintain their 100 per cent record in the competition this season.
The result also provided a timely boost for manager Andoni Iraola following Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, which ended his eight-game unbeaten run.
Iraola had previously expressed confidence in Barcola and Wirtz despite criticism of their performances.
Injuries to Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai had increased the pressure on the attacking duo, with all three players missing the trip to Austria.
Liverpool rotated their squad for the encounter, resting Van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz as Frimpong, Tsimikas, Trey Nyoni and Ngumoha came into the starting line-up.
The match was the second of six fixtures Liverpool are scheduled to play in 18 days, with Iraola seeking to manage his players’ workload while maintaining the club’s strong start to the Champions League campaign.
