Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-17
**Lead** Liverpool’s record signing, Bradley Barcola, delivered a stunning hat-trick on Thursday night at Anfield as the Reds demolished Austrian side LASK 6-0 in the Europa League group stage. The 23-year-old forward, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain for a British-record £123 million in the summer, had faced mounting scrutiny over his form, but answered his critics in emphatic fashion with a first-half double and a second-half strike that completed a perfect hat-trick. The result leaves Liverpool top of their group with a perfect record, while LASK’s hopes of progression hang by a thread.
**Context** Barcola’s move to Liverpool in August 2026 was one of the most talked-about transfers in football history. The fee shattered the previous British record, and the pressure on the young Frenchman was immense from the start. After a slow start to the season with only two goals in his first ten appearances, doubts began to creep in among supporters and pundits alike. Injuries to key attackers had forced manager Arne Slot to rely heavily on Barcola, and the forward’s perceived inconsistency drew comparisons to other high-price signings who had struggled to adapt to the Premier League.
Thursday’s match against LASK, a side that had shown resilience in the group stage so far, was seen as a crucial test. Liverpool needed a win to maintain momentum, and Barcola’s performance was a statement. His first goal came after only 12 minutes, a composed left-footed finish from inside the box after a clever through-ball from Dominik Szoboszlai. His second, 20 minutes later, was a powerful header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross, showcasing his aerial ability. The hat-trick was completed in the 67th minute when he ran onto a long ball from Virgil van Dijk and slotted past the goalkeeper with his right foot.
The goals were part of a comprehensive team display. Cody Gakpo added a brace, scoring twice in the second half, and Harvey Elliott chipped in with a long-range strike. LASK, who had come into the match with a solid defensive record, were overwhelmed by Liverpool’s pace and movement. The Austrian champions managed only two shots on target, both comfortably saved by Alisson Becker.
**Analysis** Barcola’s hat-trick is significant not just for the three points, but for what it means for his confidence and for Liverpool’s season. The £123 million price tag had become a weight around his neck, with every missed chance magnified. This performance shows that the player has the quality to justify such an investment. His movement off the ball was sharper, his finishing clinical, and his work rate in pressing the LASK defenders was relentless. If he can maintain this form, Liverpool’s attack — already one of the most feared in Europe — becomes even more dangerous.
From a tactical perspective, Barcola’s versatility was on full display. He started on the left wing but drifted centrally, causing confusion in the LASK defence. His ability to score with both feet and his head makes him a nightmare for defenders, and this match was the first time he has shown that complete package in a Liverpool shirt. Manager Arne Slot praised his performance after the match, noting that the forward had been working hard in training and that the goals were a reward for his persistence.
For Liverpool, the win keeps them on course to finish top of the Europa League group, which would give them a favourable draw in the knockout rounds. With the Premier League title race also tight, having a fully firing Barcola could be the difference in the second half of the season. The team’s depth has been tested by injuries, but performances like this suggest they are peaking at the right time.
**Fontes** - Match report from UEFA official website - Post-match press conference quotes from Liverpool manager Arne Slot (as reported by the club’s official media channels) - Statistics and match data from Opta and BBC Sport - Transfer fee details from publicly available club announcements and The Athletic