Galatasaray beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League last 16 first leg as Mario Lemina’s early header gives the Turkish champions a slim edge.
Galatasaray claimed a narrow advantage in their Champions League last 16 tie after beating Liverpool 1-0 in Istanbul. Mario Lemina’s early header proved decisive in a lively first leg at RAMS Park. The result came in Arne Slot’s 100th match in charge of Liverpool. The Reds now face a difficult task in the return leg at Anfield next week.
Liverpool began the match with attacking intent in front of a hostile crowd. Florian Wirtz had an early opportunity after a defensive error but fired wide of the target. Galatasaray quickly punished that miss in the seventh minute. Gabriel Sara delivered a corner which Victor Osimhen headed back across goal.
Mario Lemina reacted quickest and nodded the ball past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from close range. The midfielder celebrated his first goal of the season in front of a packed stadium. The early strike lifted the Turkish champions and increased the intensity of the contest.
Liverpool pushed forward after conceding but struggled to convert their chances. Wirtz forced a save from goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir after good build-up play involving Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister.
At the other end, Mamardashvili was called into action. The Liverpool goalkeeper made important saves to deny Davinson Sanchez and Noa Lang during a lively spell for the hosts. Victor Osimhen remained a constant threat in attack. The striker caused problems for Liverpool’s defence with his strength and movement inside the box. Despite several promising attacks from both sides, the score remained 1-0 at the break.
The second half produced further drama with two goals ruled out. Galatasaray believed they had doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark. Osimhen tapped the ball into the net following a defensive mistake. However, the goal was disallowed after Baris Alper Yilmaz was judged offside in the build-up.
Liverpool thought they had equalised in the 70th minute. A corner from Dominik Szoboszlai created a scramble in the penalty area and the ball was forced over the line. After a lengthy VAR review, the effort was ruled out for handball against Ibrahima Konate. The decision preserved Galatasaray’s slender lead.
Liverpool continued to search for an equaliser late in the match. Hugo Ekitike nearly scored with a chipped effort but Cakir produced an excellent save.
Lemina’s early goal ultimately separated the teams in a match filled with chances. The midfielder earned praise for his decisive finish and strong defensive work. Gabriel Sara also impressed with his delivery and creativity in midfield. Osimhen contributed heavily to Galatasaray’s attacking threat throughout the game.
For Liverpool, Mamardashvili produced several key saves to keep the deficit at one goal. However, the visitors were again punished for defensive weakness at set pieces. The opener marked the tenth goal Liverpool have conceded from corners this season. Only a few Premier League sides have conceded more from that situation.
Liverpool will try to overturn the deficit when Galatasaray visit Anfield on March 18 for the second leg. The winner of the tie will advance to the Champions League quarter-finals. Before that, the Reds return to Premier League action against Tottenham on March 15. Galatasaray will hope their narrow advantage proves enough to progress in Europe.
