Yvan Dibango makes Champions League history with three-assist display

Yvan Dibango became only the third African player to register at least three assists in a single Champions League match after contributing to all three of LASK’s goals in their 6-3 defeat by Liverpool.

The landmark achievement came during the second matchday of the competition’s league phase, as the Austrian side were eventually beaten by a Liverpool team that quickly established a commanding lead.

Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick for the Reds, while Ronald Araujo, Jeremie Frimpong and Lewis Koumas also found the net.

Despite LASK’s difficult start, Dibango played a decisive role in their response. All three of his assists came during a 15-minute spell in the second half, allowing the 24-year-old left-back to become just the third African footballer to record three assists in one Champions League game, according to data from Opta.

The performance also made Dibango only the second Cameroonian to reach the milestone. He joins his compatriot Samuel Eto’o, who produced a similar display against Levski Sofia in 2006, and Achraf Hakimi, who matched the record in 2018.

Dibango’s contribution could not prevent LASK from suffering their second defeat since the beginning of their European campaign. However, his three assists secured him a place in Champions League history.

LASK’s next fixture will be their ninth match of the Austrian league season, against Austria Lustenau.