Liverpool return to Linz to face champions LASK
Liverpool are back in Linz. They face LASK at the Raiffeisen Arena on 14 October 2026, with a 5.45pm BST kick-off in the Champions League The Guardian.
It is Matchday 2 of the league-phase, the opening round where all 36 teams sit in one big table, and it is Liverpool's first away game in this season's competition UEFA Liverpool FC. The away end is gone. Liverpool's official ticketing page lists the match as sold out.
There is history here. Liverpool's only previous visit to LASK came in September 2023 in the Europa League, Europe's second-tier club competition. Jurgen Klopp was in charge that night. Liverpool trailed 1-0 at half-time and won 3-1 Reuters.
LASK have changed since then. They won the Austrian Bundesliga last season for the first time since 1965. It was part of a domestic double, with league and cup together.
Watch Christoph Lang. The striker has five goals in eight league matches this season. He also scored for Austria against Kosovo in only his second international appearance. Moses Usor was LASK's leader for both goals and assists during that double-winning season. He scored on his Nigeria debut in the recent international break but is a doubt to face Liverpool.
Melayro Bogarde sits at the base of LASK's midfield, the screening role just in front of the defence. He is the nephew of Winston Bogarde, the former Ajax, Barcelona and Chelsea defender.
Liverpool arrive short-handed. Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai are all absent The Guardian. That puts the spotlight on Bradley Barcola. He joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain for £123m and has no goal or assist in six appearances.
Manager Andoni Iraola is backing his big signings to come good. He said he had 100% trust and no doubts that Florian Wirtz, another big-money arrival, and Barcola would deliver Reuters.
What makes this stand out is the mix. A famous English club with new stars still finding their feet. An Austrian champion at home, full of belief. The noise will be loud.
