Liverpool forward Bradley Barcola ended his goal drought in emphatic fashion, scoring a hat-trick as the Reds defeated LASK 6-3 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

The Frenchman had faced criticism following his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain in August but delivered his best performance yet for Liverpool, registering his first goals for the club in his seventh appearance.

Barcola scored twice in the first half after Ronald Araujo had opened the scoring with his maiden goal for Liverpool. Jeremie Frimpong extended the visitors’ advantage after the break before Barcola completed his treble.

Lewis Koumas also found the net for his first Champions League goal as Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the competition following their opening victory over Atletico Madrid.

The result provided a timely boost for manager Iraola, whose side had suffered a 3-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

Iraola had publicly expressed confidence in Barcola and Florian Wirtz despite criticism of their performances since arriving at the club. Both players came under increased pressure to deliver following injuries to Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, who missed the trip to Austria.

The pair responded with an encouraging display, offering Liverpool renewed attacking impetus as they continued their busy schedule.

The fixture was the second of six matches Liverpool were due to play in 18 days, prompting Iraola to rotate his squad. Captain Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz were rested, while Frimpong, Kostas Tsimikas, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha were brought into the starting line-up.