Galatasaray capitalised on a sloppy display to win the first leg of this Champions League last-16 tie 1-0, dealing a tough blow to Liverpool's Champions League hopes. Mario Lemina's early goal in the 7th minute set the tone for what became a difficult night for Arne Slot's squad in Istanbul.
Gabriel Sara's deep corner was all too easily directed back across goal by Osimhen for Lemina to throw himself at the ball and head home. From there, Arne Slot's 100th match as Liverpool boss ended in defeat at a raucous Rams Park. The Premier League champions arrived in Turkey hoping to kick-start a disappointing second season under the Dutchman, only to return home reeling from their second loss of the campaign. This marks Liverpool's second 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray this season, having fallen to the same scoreline in September's league phase.
Liverpool looked to have finally eked out an equaliser in the 70th minute when Szoboszlai's corner went in off Konate during a scrum, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball after a VAR check. Despite some chances down the stretch, the Reds couldn't find a breakthrough. Galatasaray takes a 1-0 advantage with them to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, with the return leg scheduled for next week. Everything is still to play for at Anfield, but Liverpool will need a vastly improved performance to overturn this deficit.