Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick and Florian Wirtz produced a standout performance as Liverpool beat LASK 7-3 in a nine-goal Champions League thriller in Austria. The victory made it two wins from two for Andoni Iraola's side in their European campaign.
Barcola and Wirtz shine
The Frenchman ended his wait for a goal following his big-money move from PSG, excelling alongside his German team-mate. Wirtz, who had a slow start to the campaign after an underwhelming debut season, controlled proceedings to ensure Liverpool secured the win.
Wirtz dovetailed impressively with Barcola, who scored twice in the first half. Ronald Araujo opened the scoring, and within minutes of the second half, Jeremie Frimpong headed home Liverpool's fourth. Lewis Koumas, lively at the weekend, scored Liverpool's sixth.
LASK's brief fightback
LASK scored three times inside 15 minutes to frustrate Alisson and keep their supporters vocal, but the English side maintained control. Two goals inside 100 seconds of the first half effectively took the game away from the Austrians, with Araujo's opener coming from a corner.
After a solo run from Rio Ngumoha down the right, Barcola finished first time into the far corner. Koumas thought he had made it three on the half-hour mark, but the offside flag was raised. Barcola then scored Liverpool's third after Wirtz found him with a smart ball. Frimpong made it 4-1 on 51 minutes.
Wirtz unlocked
Forget any caveats about the level of opposition; this was the type of game a £100million player should thrive in, and Wirtz did. The game seemed to stand still every time the German got the ball, showing the quality Liverpool thought they had landed last summer.
With an inexperienced striker ahead of him and a young midfielder behind him, Wirtz took charge, constantly finding pockets of space and putting team-mates in good positions. His connection with Barcola down the left was a pleasing sight for Iraola.
Barcola thrives
Barcola, who moved for £116m as Liverpool's marquee signing this summer, had looked full of running but lacked end product, missing chances in the previous European outing against Atletico Madrid. This time he was on the money, finishing Wirtz's good work with neat runs and accomplished finishing.
His hat-trick was the headline he wanted, given how his price tag could have hung over him. He looks a confidence player.
Goals galore but defensive concerns
After shipping three against City at the weekend, Iraola was left to digest another questionable defensive display. This was against a LASK side far from regulars in the Champions League, whose goals were celebrated like wins. Alisson's frustration summed up how the goals may be analysed.
Minus Virgil van Dijk, the backline did not look secure, and better opposition will see plenty they can exploit.
