Liverpool FC faced another early setback but demonstrated their resilience, thanks to a late goal by Mohamed Salah as they triumphed over LASK with a final score of 3-1 in their Europa League encounter held at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz.
On the opening matchday of Group E, Liverpool found themselves trailing as Florian Flecker unleashed a powerful 20-yard strike into the net, giving LASK the lead within the first 15 minutes. Manager Jürgen Klopp’s side, determined to reverse the situation, gradually took control of the game. Their persistence paid off with quick successive goals from Nunez, via a penalty, and a goal from Luis Diaz, with Salah scoring a third. These strikes swung the momentum in Liverpool’s favour, ultimately securing them three crucial points.
Notably, this victory marked a significant achievement for Jürgen Klopp as he became the first Liverpool manager to achieve 50 wins in European competitions.
A Slow First Half Start and an Early Deficit Without Salah
The match commenced amid an electrifying atmosphere at the Raiffeisen Arena, with Liverpool aiming to establish early dominance through ball possession. However, LASK posed a threat in the 13th minute when an attack down the left flank led to a cutback for Robert Zulj, whose shot was deflected behind by Virgil Van Dijk.
LASK earned a corner from the subsequent play, which resulted in the ball being delivered deep into the Reds’ box. Florian Flecker connected with the ball and delivered a powerful strike that eluded Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Kelleher, finding the net and putting LASK ahead 1-0.
Liverpool responded quickly with a chance of their own as Doak, replacing Salah in the starting eleven, raced past his marker and delivered a low cross-shot that narrowly missed the target. Moments later, Nunez headed off target after a lofted pass from Harvey Elliott.
Virgil Van Dijk came to Liverpool’s rescue with a crucial block as Marin Ljubicic broke into the Liverpool box, causing disputes from the visitors regarding a possible foul on Ibrahima Konate. However, the first half ended with LASK maintaining their lead.
Liverpool’s Resurgence and Victory
In the second half, Liverpool aimed to capitalise on their possession advantage as they searched for an equaliser. Their opportunity arrived 10 minutes into the half when Bajcetic’s play allowed Diaz to be fouled by Philipp Ziereis inside the box. The referee awarded a penalty kick, which Nunez confidently dispatched into the left corner of the LASK net, levelling the score.
Liverpool continued to press forward, ultimately completing their comeback. Gravenberch provided an accurate low cross from the right wing, allowing Diaz to capitalise with a rising first-time finish past Lawal.
The Reds maintained the pressure, with a late effort from Salah requiring a retreating block from Felix Luckeneder to deny a potential goal. However, Salah found the back of the net with a close-range shot two minutes before the final whistle, sealing Liverpool’s victory in their Europa League opener.
