Turkish league leaders who are unbeaten in their last five league games added another win to their record yesterday night against the Reds. This is Gala’s first points in the competition and a second consecutive loss for Liverpool across all competitions.
Game Overview
Striker Victor Osimhen scored the decisive goal for Galatasaray early in the first half. The Reds got an early awakening that the game will be tough in the opening few minutes with Alisson being forced to face Baris Yilmaz in a one-on-one situation.
At approximately 10 minutes later, the Liverpool goalkeeper was once again forced to face Osimhen in a penalty after Yilmaz was brought down by makeshift right-back Dominik Szoboszlai, just seconds after Cody Gakpo’s effort was cleared of the line on the opposite half of the pitch. Osimhen then beat Alisson, thumping the ball straight down the middle making it his sixth goal in as many matches against English sides.
Liverpool responded almost immediately when Florian Wirtz drew a diving stop from Ugurcan Çakir. Following an error-strewn display in the first half, Liverpool got another moment of sloppiness where Osimhen intercepted a poor pass and made an effort at goal but Alisson was able to keep the ball away from goal.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot the visited his bench bringing on Giorgi Mamardashvili who made his first Champions League appearance, Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Mohammed Salah in a bid to salvage the game.
The Reds continued to trail and struggle against Galatasaray’s defense and almost broke through when referee Clément Turpin pointed to the spot late in the game but unfortunately the decision against Wilfried Singo was overturned after a VAR review.
With eight minutes of added time, Liverpool still could not level against the ever determined back line of Galatasaray and have now failed to win in their last three away H2Hs.
Next Fixture
The Reds will head to Stamford Bridge this weekend to take on Chelsea while they will face Eintracht Frankfurt away in the Champions League on October 22 after their game against Manchester United at Anfield.
Galatasaray will turn their attention to the Super Lig where they will face Besiktas this weekend and will return to the Champions League to host Bodo/Glimt on October 22.
