Galatasaray claimed a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg, taking a slender lead into the return fixture at Anfield. This marks the Turkish side’s second win over the Premier League outfit this season.
Liverpool began strongly, pressing high and controlling possession in the early stages, but Galatasaray broke the deadlock in the seventh minute. Victor Osimhen headed a corner across goal, allowing Mario Lemina to nod past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Osimhen then had a chance to double the lead, but his free header went wide.
Both teams created further opportunities throughout the first half. Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitiké were prominent for Liverpool, while Galatasaray relied on counterattacks and solid defensive work to keep Noa Lang and Gabriel Sara from scoring. Mamardashvili made a notable save to deny Davinson Sánchez, and Osimhen again failed to convert an unmarked chance.
Early in the second half, Alexis Mac Allister came close to equalising for Liverpool, but Galatasaray remained a threat on the break, with Abdülkerim Bardakci reminding the visitors of their attacking threat. Liverpool had a goal disallowed for handball by Ibrahima Konaté, while Osimhen saw another effort ruled out for offside. In the final stages, Ekitiké missed a one-on-one chance, but Galatasaray held firm to secure a potentially decisive first-leg win.
The result means Galatasaray have now lost only two of their last 47 home matches in all competitions and remain unbeaten in their last 11 home UCL knockout games. Liverpool’s three-game away winning streak across competitions came to an end, though the Premier League side remain confident of overturning the deficit in front of their home supporters next week.
