Virgil van Dijk backs 'introverted' Bradley Barcola to shine at Liverpool after Champions League hat-trick

Virgil van Dijk backs ‘introverted’ Bradley Barcola to shine at Liverpool after Champions League hat-trick

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Bradley Barcola ended his goal drought with a Champions League hat-trick as Liverpool thrashed LASK 6-3, silencing critics after a £123m move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcola’s Hat-Trick Ends Drought, Boosts Confidence

The match, held at the Oberösterreich Arena, saw Liverpool take a 4-0 lead by halftime, with Ronald Araujo scoring his first Reds goal and Jeremie Frimpong netting a towering header. Barcola’s first goal came in the 24th minute, assisted by Lewis Koumas, while his second was set up by Florian Wirtz. The Frenchman completed his treble in the 66th minute, scoring from Frimpong’s low cross. Liverpool’s defense, however, faltered in the final stages, conceding three goals as LASK mounted a late comeback.

Teammates Praise Barcola’s Impact

Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas, who scored his first Champions League goal in the same match, called Barcola “unbelievable” and predicted he would be unreal for Liverpool. Koumas, 21, also assisted Barcola’s first goal, becoming the youngest player to score and assist in a Champions League match for the Reds. Moving country and trying to settle in fast is tough, Koumas said, acknowledging Barcola’s challenges.

LASK’s Comeback and Defensive Struggles

LASK staged a late comeback, with Robert Ljubicic and Florian Flecker scoring to reduce the deficit, but Liverpool’s defense faltered in the final stages. Iraola admitted the team didn’t defend properly at the end of the game, citing the need to rest players ahead of a Premier League clash with Brentford. Despite the sloppiness, Liverpool maintained their 100% Champions League record, with Barcola’s hat-trick proving crucial.

The match saw 19 shots in the first half, a new record for an away team in the first half of a Champions League game, as Liverpool’s Ronald Araujo and Jeremie Frimpong also found the net. LASK’s Robert Ljubicic scored his first goal of the season, but it was not enough to halt Liverpool’s momentum. The Reds’ defensive issues were highlighted by manager Andoni Iraola.

Barcola scores hat-trick as Liverpool hit LASK for six, Feyenoord beat Como
Photo: Al Jazeera

Liverpool’s defensive line included a rare benching of Virgil van Dijk. Iraola’s decision to field a young midfield trio—Trey Nyoni and Ryan Gravenberch—paid dividends, with Nyoni making 93% of his 46 passes and 92% of his 83 completed passes. The 19-year-old midfielder’s performance earned praise from Opta analyst Sam McGuire, who noted, Trey Nyoni bossing it at the base of the midfield.

Injury Context and Depth Chart Impact

Injuries to key attackers Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai forced Liverpool to rely on younger players. Koumas, 21, was given a start, with manager Iraola emphasizing the need to trust the squad’s depth. The absence of three players increased pressure on Florian Wirtz, who provided an assist for Barcola’s second goal. Wirtz, who had faced criticism for his inconsistent form, responded with a “lively” performance, according to Iraola.

Barcola Joins Liverpool’s European Cup Hat-Trick Club

His treble against LASK marked the first for the Reds since Diaz’s three-goal effort against Bayer Leverkusen in November 2024.

Barcola’s performance has already sparked comparisons to past greats. He’s an unbelievable talent, Koumas said. I’m sure he’ll be unreal for Liverpool. With his confidence boosted, the 24-year-old now faces the challenge of replicating this form in the Premier League, starting with a trip to Brentford on Saturday. The match against the Bees, currently fourth in the table, is crucial for Liverpool’s league position, as they sit ninth.

Bradley Barcola, wearing Liverpool's white away kit, holds up three fingers after scoring a hat-trick against LASK in the
Photo: BBC

League Context and Brentford Matchup

Brentford, currently fourth in the Premier League, will host Liverpool in a significant fixture. The Bees are above Liverpool in the table for the first time since March 1938, following their 3-1 victory over the Reds at Griffin Park. OPTA’s win probability gives Brentford a 37.9% chance, with Liverpool at 35.7%. The match is a key test for Iraola’s side, who need to avoid a second league loss after their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Brentford’s recent form includes a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, where Kristoffer Ajer scored a 79th-minute equalizer. The Bees have struggled with dropped points from winning positions, having lost more points in such scenarios than any other Premier League side since their 2021 promotion. Liverpool, meanwhile, has won their last two away league games, keeping clean sheets in both.

Historical Comparisons and Legacy

Barcola’s hat-trick placed him among Liverpool’s storied European scorers, including Graeme Souness (1980) and John Wark (1984). Owen remains the only Liverpool player to score a European Cup hat-trick away from home, a feat Barcola nearly matched in this match. The Frenchman’s performance also drew comparisons to Luis Diaz, who scored three goals against Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.

Liverpool’s next fixtures include a home game against Villarreal, followed by trips to Brighton, Chelsea, and Arsenal. The Reds’ Champions League campaign remains on track, with a 100% record after two matches. For Barcola, the challenge now is to maintain his form in the Premier League, where his adaptability will be tested against teams like Brentford, who have a strong home record.

Skysports football bradley barcola
Photo: Sky Sports

More on Premier League: Liverpool Plots Double Transfer Raid on PSG for Barcola and Mbaye · Liverpool Refuse to Sell Cody Gakpo Until Attacking Replacements Are Signed · Andoni Iraola Says Cody Gakpo Can Play as a No. 9 for Liverpool

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