Liverpool triumphed 6-3 over LASK Linz in an open-play thriller at the Raiffeisen Arena.
The UEFA Champions League league phase match took place on 14 October 2026 at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz. LASK Linz hosted Liverpool in what proved to be a high-scoring encounter, with both sides creating numerous chances before Liverpool’s firepower proved decisive.
How it unfolded
The first breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Ronald Araújo rose above the defence to head home a Kostas Tsimikas cross, giving Liverpool a 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later, Bradley Barcola doubled the advantage, slotting a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner after a pass from Lewis Koumas. Barcola continued his impact in the 37th minute, this time firing a left-footed strike from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner, this time assisted by Florian Wirtz, putting Liverpool comfortably ahead at 3-0.
Liverpool extended the lead shortly after the break when Jeremie Frimpong headed in another Kostas Tsimikas cross in the 51st minute, making it 4-0. LASK Linz responded in the 63rd minute as Robert Ljubicic found the net with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box, the move set up by Yvan Dibango, reducing the deficit to 4-1.
Barcola completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, tapping in a close-range finish after a cross from Jeremie Frimpong, bringing the score to 5-1. Lewis Koumas added Liverpool’s sixth goal in the 72nd minute, shooting from the centre of the box after a Frimpong cross, making it 6-1.
LASK Linz fought back late in the game. Florian Flecker headed in from very close range in the 74th minute, assisted again by Dibango, to make it 6-2. Just three minutes later, Flecker struck again, this time with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner, also set up by Dibango, completing LASK’s three-goal comeback to finish 6-3.
The only booking of the match came in the 80th minute when Daniel Elfadli received a yellow card for a bad foul. No further disciplinary action was taken.
Standout performers
Bradley Barcola was the standout attacker, scoring three of Liverpool’s six goals and providing a constant threat in the final third. His goals in the 24th, 37th and 66th minutes highlighted his clinical finishing.
Jeremie Frimpong contributed both a goal and two assists, linking play effectively on the wing and delivering the crosses that led to Liverpool’s fourth and sixth goals.
Kostas Tsimikas supplied two crucial crosses that resulted in goals for Araújo and Frimpong, underlining his importance in Liverpool’s attacking build-up.
For LASK Linz, Florian Flecker’s double header in the closing stages offered a brief resurgence, while Robert Ljubicic’s goal gave the hosts a momentary foothold.
Match facts
- Final score: LASK Linz 3-6 Liverpool
- Scorers:
- Liverpool: Ronald Araújo (22'), Bradley Barcola (24', 37', 66'), Jeremie Frimpong (51'), Lewis Koumas (72')
- LASK Linz: Robert Ljubicic (63'), Florian Flecker (74', 77')
- Bookings: Daniel Elfadli (LASK) – yellow card, 80'
- Venue: Raiffeisen Arena (Linz), Linz
What it means
The result hands Liverpool three points from the Champions League league phase match, reinforcing their position in the group, while LASK Linz must look to recover in their remaining fixtures after a costly defensive display.
