Liverpool’s inaugural Europa League Group E match against Austria’s LASK Linz on Thursday saw them overcome an early scare and come back from behind to win 3-1.
Liverpool, who lost to Sevilla in the final of their 2015–16 Europa League campaign, looked uneasy in the opening half against the tenacious hosts, who are participating in the Europa League group stage for the third time.
Follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel to stay up to date on all news.
LASK, ranked third in the Austrian Bundesliga for 2022–23, grabbed an unexpected lead in the 14th minute when Florian Flecker, a winger, connected with a corner and sent a shot past Caoimhin Kelleher, the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Later in the first half, Darwin Nunez had a great opportunity to tie the score for Liverpool, but goalkeeper Tobias Lawal made a fantastic stop to keep them out.
However, Nunez gave Juergen Klopp’s team a point after the break, coolly scoring from the penalty spot after winger Luis Diaz was brought down inside the area to give the visitors the advantage.
After that, Diaz put Liverpool ahead in the 63rd minute with a close-range goal after Ryan Gravenberch’s excellent cross into the centre of the box. Two minutes later, Mohamed Salah, a replacement, sealed the victory with a low shot inside the far post.