Galatasaray defeated Liverpool 1-0 in Istanbul for the second time in this season's Champions League campaign, securing a vital first-leg advantage in their Round of 16 tie. Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina scored the first Champions League goal of his career, capitalising on a set-piece in the seventh minute to claim the lead that would prove decisive across a frenetic ninety minutes at Rams Park.
Sara crossed from the left wing, Osimhen's header at the back post was met by Lemina's header from the left diagonal of the goal area, with Lemina sending the ball into the net over goalkeeper Mamardashvili. The finish came against the run of play, with Liverpool pressing aggressively in the opening minutes.
Arne Slot's 100th game as Liverpool boss ended miserably as his side lost at Galatasaray for the second time in this season's Champions League campaign. The Merseyside side failed to capitalise on multiple opportunities to level the score. Florian Wirtz missed a golden opportunity after just 104 seconds, firing wide after Lemina played the ball straight to him, setting the tone for a frustrating night where Liverpool's finishing let them down.
Virgil van Dijk made his 29th consecutive start in Istanbul, the longest run by any outfield player for Liverpool since Jamie Carragher notched up 33 successive starts back in 2009/10, and it is showing, with the Liverpool captain looking leggy throughout and making poor defensive decisions. Defensive vulnerabilities extended beyond the skipper, with Konate mirroring Van Dijk's shakiness, and the uncertainty seeming to carry right the way through the spine of the team.
Mohamed Salah was non-existent while Ekitike snatched at chances. The Egyptian's anonymity was striking; Salah did not record a single shot in his 81st Champions League game for Liverpool, the most of any player for the club.
Despite Liverpool's superior possession, the hosts created a constant threat on the transition. Even if Galatasaray do implode at Anfield next week, which is possible, few teams will fear Slot's side in the latter stages of this competition. The return fixture will take place at Anfield, where Liverpool must overturn the deficit to have any hope of progressing.