Mohamed Salah was praised by the Austrian media as Liverpool beat LASK in the Europa League. Jürgen Klopp’s side took an early lead in its European group.

Liverpool mounted an impressive comeback in its opening Europa League group fixture against LASK, securing a 3-1 victory after falling behind.

Thursday’s match saw Jürgen Klopp opt for a fully rotated starting line-up and the Austrian side took an early lead through Florian Flecker’s 14th-minute goal. Despite Liverpool’s dominance in possession, LASK managed to keep the visitors at bay in the first half, with Darwin Núñez’s header cleared before it crossed the line.

But the Reds came out strong in the second half, turning the tide of the game with two goals in quick succession. Núñez converted a penalty to equalize, followed by Luis Díaz prodding in a crucial goal assisted by Ryan Gravenberch on his full debut.

Mohamed Salah, who came off the bench along with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, sealed the victory with the Reds’ third. The local media in Austria reported on the match and the Liverpool ECHO has rounded up what was said.

National newspaper Kronen Zeitung described it as the “Game of the Year” and praised LASK for challenging Liverpool. They highlighted Klopp’s decision to make 11 changes to his team, adding: “Liverpool, in an unusual purple, dominated the game, but LASK knew how to keep the ball-savvy English team away from the danger zone. Liverpool deservedly got three points thanks to a clear improvement in the second half, but LASK could be satisfied with their performance against the top English club.”

National weekday newspaper Heutes said that LASK missed out on a potential “sensation” after taking the lead. They added: “The LASK fought against bankruptcy, but without success. The people of Linz were no longer able to cause danger. ‘Joker’ Salah made it 3-1 for the Reds in the 89th minute.”

Osterreich, a national daily newspaper, highlighted the excitement surrounding the match in Linz’s new stadium. They described the atmosphere created by the 18,000 fans as “unforgettable”.

Osterreich wrote: “Instead of ‘This is Anfield’ yesterday it was ‘Des is die Gugi’. 18,000 fans created an unforgettable atmosphere in Linz’s new jewel box. And that despite star coach Jürgen Klopp sending the second suit onto the pitch. Corner for the Upper Austrians.

“And this corner had it all. After Horvath’s corner, the ball landed at Flecker. He prepared the ball and hit it into the net with a flourish. ‘One-keeper’ Alisson also looks stupid from the substitutes’ bench — that’s 1-0 for LASK!

“And then came the cold shower for the Upper Austrians. Linz’s lead was gone within six minutes. Flecker and Co. really noticed their disappointment. As if that wasn’t enough, the top star of the ‘Reds’ also came into play. As soon as he came on, the Egyptian immediately caused terror. But Luckender was exactly right and saved on the line. But then the time had come. Salah walked through the LASK defense and pushed Lawal through his legs. 3:1 — That’s it then!”

Local newspaper Oberösterreichische Nachrichten wrote: “17,098 fans in the Upper Austria Arena — that’s what LASK’s new gem is called in Europa League jargon — had sensed the sensation, but ultimately seven minutes were enough for the great Liverpool FC to turn the tables and win 3-1 at the start of the group phase.

“You don’t see matches like this one on the Gugl against the traditional 19-time English champions every day, nor do you see dream goals like the one from Florian Flecker in the 14th minute. Just seeing “LASK 1 — Liverpool 0” on the video wall, many eyewitnesses had to look twice to believe it. But it was like that.

“The dream of sensation was alive. At least temporarily. LASK tried everything again, but now Liverpool — now with Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Matip and Salah on the road — was untouchable.”

Liverpool is already top of its Europa League group as things stand, with Union SG and Toulouse drawing 1-1 on matchday one. Union SG, the Belgian outfit, comes to Anfield on matchday two.

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