I hadn’t reported on a Liverpool European away match since the Reds’ Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in Paris.
Consequently, I did not really know what to expect after being given the call-up for Liverpool’s trip to Linz for their Europa League opener. Sure, the stage was as different as can be to the traumatic scenes that scarred so many fans at the Stade de France 16 months ago, leaving some struggling to return, but stepping back into the unknown, I couldn’t help but wonder what lay in store.
It quickly turned out I need not have worried. While you were on edge from the moment you left the fan-park to head to the match in Paris on May 28, 2022, a much warmer atmosphere greeted travelling fans and journalists as soon as they descended upon Linz.
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‘Liverpool stars land in Linz’ was the front page headline on one Austrian paper, accompanied by a picture of the Reds team bus. Arguably the biggest game in LASK’s history, having been denied a crowd when facing Manchester United during the coronavirus pandemic, they were just delighted to welcome the mighty Liverpool to their humble city, and show off their still new 20,000-seater Raiffeisen Arena which only opened back in February.
It soon became clear there was a Reds following already present in Linz, as demonstrated by the rechristened ‘King Kenny’ pub, which quickly became a favourite haunt for the travelling fans. Walking around the city, there were a number of natives in Liverpool colours, along with LASK fans wearing their own shirts ahead of their big game.
A number of travelling Reds swiftly returned the favour, descending upon the LASK club shop by the town square to buy baseball caps. It was initially rather surreal hearing a Scouse accent emerge from underneath a couple of LASK hats, but the novelty soon wore off as it became clear that many travelling fans wanted a similar memento from their trip to Austria’s third-largest city.
The total of Liverpool shirts continued to grow throughout the day as many supporters enjoyed drinks outside bars, basking in the sunlight and 28 degrees heat in total contrast to the pouring rain they had left behind on Merseyside. But the ‘King Kenny’ was the place to be, having received plenty of recognition ahead of the trip.
The ECHO decided to check out the venue for themselves on their walk to the Raiffeisen Arena, with the space outside the pub filled to the rafters. While local police watched on from across the street, there was no tension in the air at all, with it a delight to see relaxed supporters enjoying themselves on the continent once more in such welcoming surroundings.
Familiar terrace chants were in the air as supporters laughed and sung, with a number of banners adorned over the tables and the fence outside. Many would be seen again at the Raiffeisen Arena hours later, and were given plenty of coverage in Friday’s newspapers.
A steep 30-minute walk uphill to the stadium followed - not what anyone needed in such harsh Austrian heat! And while LASK’s ground won’t be the most glamorous Liverpool visit on their European travels, it still held a quaint appeal as supporters of both sides congregated outside.
Again, Liverpool colours were littered among a LASK crowd outside, as youngsters handed out free programmes and the warm and welcoming atmosphere continued.
Come kick-off and LASK’s home crowd came into their own. Standing and singing from start to finish, they jumped around, waved flags, and lit flares to create a truly special atmosphere. It will be a delight to welcome them to Anfield at the end of November.
For 45 minutes the Austrian side were on top too, and they gave their crowd a moment they will cherish forever when Florian Flecker beat Caoimhin Kelleher with a stunning strike from distance. The roof erupted as LASK cheered in disbelief, with substitutes sprinting onto the pitch to celebrate as if they had won the European Cup - not just taken a first half lead in the Europa League group-stages.
Having competed in three Champions League finals in five years, Liverpool might be at risk of taking the Europa League for granted, but the Austrians provided them with the perfect reminder of what it means to others.
Inevitably, the Reds’ quality shone through in the second half as they two quick-fire goals turned the game on its head. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah was introduced to finish off any hopes of a LASK draw, but it was a testament to their efforts that the Egyptian was called upon in the first place.
By now, the travelling Liverpool support were making themselves heard from the far corner too, beer in hand, as they started to celebrate their imminent victory, bursting into renditions of ‘Egyptian King’ and ‘I’m so glad that Jurgen is a Red!’ But even when losing 3-1, the home crowd didn’t stop cheering either.
Following the final whistle, the LASK places saluted supporters behind the goal before doing a lap of honour. Yet the party atmosphere continued long after they left the pitch, with disco music still blaring out when the ECHO left the stadium over two hours after the final whistle.
Back in the city centre, Liverpool fans continued to drink and sing in bars outside into the early hours, making the most of the early kick-off. Again, they were made to feel welcome by local bar-owners and supporters as they swapped stories and wished each other well.
“It is great that LFC fans were treated with the dignity and respect we deserve at LASK,” Spirit of Shankly Chairman Paul Khan told the ECHO following the game. “All reports from fans who attended the game said the people were friendly and there was no aggressive policing or stewarding.
“SOS have worked with LFC, Merseyside police, Met Pol and other organisations to ensure this type of respect for the fans becomes the norm and not the exception. Big shout out to the people of Linz and the LASK fans and let’s make sure they get a proper Liverpool welcome when they attend the game at Anfield.”
This was a day Linz will never forget as the famous Liverpool came to town. And the Reds will genuinely look forward to welcoming them back to Merseyside for the corresponding fixture, off the back the bonds formed in Austria this week.
Linz won’t know how much the travelling Liverpool support appreciated their hospitality. After all, it wasn’t just Klopp’s side who suffered a hangover and went through the motions last season after the Paris horrors of the year before.
This season we have seen a recovery on the pitch, and now we are seeing the same on the terraces too. While a 3-1 win away at LASK will never be a famous European night to tell the grandkids about, this latest trip was exactly what the Reds needed to fall in love with it all, all over again.
