Virgil van Dijk has praised Bradley Barcola for his sensational performance in the Champions League, suggesting that a ruthless European hat-trick will be the catalyst for the youngster's Anfield career. The veteran defender believes the French winger's display against LASK is exactly what he needs to settle into life under Andoni Iraola.
The road to Madrid has begun with the league phase well under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Bradley Barcola delivered a Player of the Match performance, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to lead Liverpool to a 6-3 victory over LASK. The French winger opened his goalscoring account for the Reds in style while earning glowing praise from manager Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool navigated a chaotic Champions League encounter in Austria, securing a 6-3 victory over LASK thanks to a hat-trick from Bradley Barcola. Despite a dominant first half, defensive lapses in the second period briefly allowed the hosts back into the contest.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has rotated his starting line-up for the Champions League clash against LASK in Austria. The Reds boss was forced into multiple changes due to a demanding fixture schedule and several key injuries, handing an opportunity to youngsters and recent arrivals.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has issued a passionate defence of Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola following a wave of criticism regarding their recent form. The duo, who cost a combined £239 million, are yet to find the net this season and faced significant scrutiny after failing to leave their mark on the recent clash against Manchester City.
Liverpool have been hit by a significant injury setback ahead of their return to European action this week. Three senior first-team stars have been officially ruled out of the travelling squad for the upcoming continental fixture.
Martin O'Neill took full responsibility after Celtic suffered an extraordinary collapse against LASK to crash out of Champions League qualifying. The Scottish giants squandered a commanding 4-0 aggregate lead before falling to a 5-1 second-leg thrashing after extra time, missing out on the league phase for the second consecutive campaign.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor has issued a grovelling apology to supporters after his side threw away a four-goal aggregate lead to crash out of the Champions League against LASK. The Hoops suffered a monumental 5-4 extra-time defeat in Austria and will now drop into the Europa League.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill praised Camilo Duran after the Colombian winger struck a sublime brace to inspire a commanding 3-0 win over Austrian outfit LASK at Celtic Park. The Scottish champions made significant progress in their quest for a Champions League spot ahead of next week's crucial play-off second leg in Linz.
LASK
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