SOCCER - UEFA CL, LASK vs Liverpool
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Lewis Koumas reacts to first Champions League goal as Liverpool beat LASK
Bradley Barcola took the match ball, but Lewis Koumas left Austria with a milestone of his own. On a night when Liverpool scored six, the Wales international supplied an assist, claimed his first Champions League goal and gave a straightforward account of what the opportunity meant.
“To get the chance is one thing and then to take it is another.”
That distinction captured his contribution to Liverpool’s 6-3 victory over LASK. Koumas helped create Barcola’s opening goal before scoring himself in the 72nd minute, turning a place in the starting side into a memorable European appearance.
Liverpool made it two wins from two in the competition. For Koumas, the result also provided a satisfying response to the disappointment of the previous weekend.
Photo: IMAGO
Lewis Koumas makes Champions League opportunity count
Speaking to UEFA after the match, Koumas reflected on being trusted to start and making that selection count.
“It’s huge [the opportunity to start]. To get the chance is one thing and then to take it is another. Really happy with tonight, it shows that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard.”
His involvement began well before his own finish. After Ronald Araujo headed Liverpool in front from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner in the 22nd minute, Koumas and Rio Ngumoha helped fashion the second goal just two minutes later.
Koumas supplied the assist for Barcola, whose finish opened his Liverpool account.
It gave the youngster a tangible contribution to the scoreline early in the contest. By the time he added the sixth, he had played a part in both building Liverpool’s advantage and extending it.
Frimpong delivery brings landmark Liverpool goal
Koumas’ goal came from a Jeremie Frimpong delivery, with the forward concentrating on the bounce of the ball and the quality of his contact.
“I knew Jeremie [Frimpong] was going to cross it because he had a lot of space. I just focused on contact as the ball bounced and tried to hit the target.”
The explanation was simple, but it described the judgement required to finish the move. Koumas recognised the opening, anticipated the delivery and directed his effort towards goal.
He later shared his delight in a message published by Liverpool.
“Yes Reds. A great win away. Important to bounce back from the last game and yeah, buzzing to get on the score sheet in the Champions League. See you soon.”
For a player seeking further opportunities, a goal and an assist offered persuasive evidence of what he could contribute.
Barcola hat-trick leads Liverpool attacking response
Koumas’ milestone formed part of an emphatic attacking display, with Barcola scoring three times.
After his first-half opener, the winger added another in the 37th minute from Florian Wirtz’s pass. Frimpong then headed in a Tsimikas cross six minutes after the interval to make it four.
Robert Ljubicic pulled a goal back for LASK in the 63rd minute, but Liverpool quickly answered. Barcola completed his hat-trick three minutes later, converting Frimpong’s delivery, before Koumas added the visitors’ sixth.
Frimpong’s goal and two assists made him another influential figure in a performance that produced contributions from across Liverpool’s attack.
Two subsequent goals from Florian Flecker reduced the margin. They also ensured the final score reflected an evening with defensive concerns alongside the attacking rewards.
Brentford test follows memorable European night
Liverpool had arrived in Austria after a 3-0 Premier League defeat against Manchester City. A second successive Champions League victory supplied the response they needed, even if conceding three prevented it from becoming a wholly convincing performance.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s trip to Brentford, where Liverpool must try to translate their European goals into a better domestic result.
Koumas has given himself something to build on. His first Champions League goal will remain a personal landmark, but the value of the evening extended beyond that single moment.
He helped create a goal, finished another and contributed to a victory when Liverpool needed one. His own words offered the clearest assessment: the chance had arrived, and he had taken it.