Liverpool secured their place in the knockout stages as Group E winners after earning three points at Anfield, coupled with Toulouse’s home draw against Union SG.
The Reds, making nine changes to their starting lineup, demonstrated their dominance against LASK. An opening goal from Luis Diaz, followed by a brace from Cody Gakpo and a Mohamed Salah penalty, sealed the victory against the Austrian Bundesliga side.
In the 12th minute, Diaz orchestrated the opener, delivering a precise cross to Joe Gomez, who headed the ball into the net. Just three minutes later, Diaz combined with Salah, providing an assist for Gakpo, who capitalized inside the six-yard box.
Despite LASK’s attempts to respond, Liverpool’s defense held firm, limiting their opponent’s breakthroughs. In the second half, Salah converted a penalty after Gakpo was fouled, extending Liverpool’s lead.
While Liverpool couldn’t find the net again before halftime, they continued to press, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez, and Curtis Jones introduced from the bench.
Gakpo almost added a fourth, striking the post, and LASK had their chances, but Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Liverpool had the final say with Gakpo securing his second goal in added time, emphatically sealing the victory. The result ensured Liverpool’s progression to the knockout stages as leaders of Group E.