Austrian media reacted to Liverpool’s victory over LASK and gave Mohamed Salah a new nickname
The Austrian media share their thoughts and reactions after Liverpool beat LASK 3-1 in the first group game of the Europa League.
Second-half goals from Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah helped Liverpool come from behind against LASK as the Reds won their Europa League group opener.
Florian Flecker’s 14th-minute strike gave the hosts the lead as Jurgen Klopp opted to completely change his starting line-up. It helped boost the Austrians’ confidence and prevent the Reds’ best possible first-half effort – a Darwin Nunez header – from going over the line.
Although, as usual, Liverpool came out on top after the break, scoring twice in seven minutes to swing the game in the balance. Nunez struck from the penalty spot before Diaz scored the decisive goal, assisted by Ryan Gravenberch on his full debut. Salah came off the bench along with Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The trio helped see the match through to the end, the Egyptian adding a third for good measure.
At one point, the home crowd at Raiffessen Arena believed they could pull off an upset. The local media reacted to the loss as follows:
National newspaper Kronen Zeitung wrote: “LASK challenged Liverpool FC for game of the year, but they were not rewarded for their brave performance.”
– Liverpool star manager Jurgen Klopp completely overhauled his squad in Saturday’s league win against
Wolverhampton, bringing in 11 new players. The Linzers decided to boldly enter the game of the year and realized it with energetic duels. And even took the lead. Van Dijk was able to save Robert Zulji’s shot and Sascha Horvath delivered a perfect corner to Flecker, who struck from outside the penalty area with a superb strike from distance.
“Unusually purple, Liverpool dominated the game, but LASK managed to keep the ball-savvy Englishmen out of the danger zone. Liverpool deservedly took three points thanks to a remarkable success in the second half, but LASK could be content with their performance against the top club in England.”
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newspaper Heute wrote: “LASK missed a sensation in the Europa League and had to concede a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool after taking a quick lead. The Stahlstadters made things difficult for the top English club from the beginning and did not allow the “Reds” team to enter the game. And they themselves became more and more dangerous.
“In the 13th minute, Linz captain Robert Zulji’s shot was blocked by Van Dijk and the resulting corner kick hit the Liverpool goal. Sascha Horvath took a corner kick to the edge of the penalty area, where Flecker stepped up and fired spectacular. 1-0 lead.
“A goal that worked as the Reds took a long time to respond despite a significant increase in possession. After falling behind the lead, the Reds then worked harder, letting nothing go wrong and played last season’s third-placed team in the Bundesliga with time running out. LASK fought against bankruptcy, but without success. The people of Linz could no longer pose a threat. “Joker” Salah made it 3-1 for the Reds in the 89th minute and Lawal was hit by a gurker.
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newspaper Osterreich wrote: “Everything seemed perfect for 45 minutes. When LASK led 1-0 at the break and smelled a sensation against Liverpool. The “Reds” flourished in the second half and beat Linz 1-3 in the Europa League opener.
“This is instead of Anfield, yesterday was “Des is die Gugi”. 18,000 fans created an unforgettable atmosphere in the new jewel box of Linz. And despite the fact that the star coach Jürgen Klopp sent another outfit on the field. Corner of the Upper Austrias . . . And this corner had it all. After Horvath’s corner, the ball hit Flecker. He prepared the ball and hit it into the net. “One keeper” Alisson also looks like a stupid substitute – 1-0 to LASK!
“And then came a cold shower for the Upper Austrias. Linz’s lead disappeared after six minutes. Flecker and Co. really understood your frustration. As if that wasn’t enough, the top star of the “Reds” also came into the game. As soon as he came, the Egyptian was immediately frightened. But Lukender was absolutely right and saved from the line. But then it was time. Salah weaved his way through LASK’s defense and pushed through Lawal’s legs. 3:1 – That’s it!”
Linz’s local newspaper Oberösterreichische Nachrichten wrote: “The 17,098 fans in the Upper Austria Arena – as LASK’s new gem is called in Europa League parlance – had a sensation, but in the end seven minutes was enough for the great Liverpool FC to turn the tables and win 3-1 at the start of the group stage.
“It’s not every day you see matches like this against the traditional 19-time English champions on Google, and you don’t see dream goals like Florian Flecker’s in the 14th minute. Just by seeing the video wall “LASK 1 – Liverpool 0”, many witnesses had to look twice to believe it, but it was so. “The dream of a sensation lived. At least temporarily. LASK tried everything again, but now Liverpool – now on the way to Szoboszlai, MacAllister, Matip and Salah (one thing is certain) – was untouchable. The last point was also reserved. . Salah, walking in Mühlviertel in a good mood in the morning, recorded a 31-year final result 1:3.”
