Liverpool lose on raucous night in Istanbul

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Galatasaray 1 - 0 Liverpool

Liverpool slipped to a second successive defeat as Galatasaray claimed a Champions League victory on a deafening night in Istanbul.

Author | William G

Stadium | RAMS Park

Super News Football 2025 | Champions League | Galatasaray | Players celebrate

Arne Slot opted to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench following the loss at Crystal Palace, but his side struggled to find rhythm against the backdrop of a raucous RAMS Park. Their problems deepened when goalkeeper Alisson limped off in the second half, shortly after producing a fine stop to deny Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen had already put the hosts ahead after 16 minutes, converting from the spot after referee Clément Turpin judged Dominik Szoboszlai to have fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz. The goal came moments after Davinson Sánchez had cleared Cody Gakpo’s effort off the line.

Salah and Alexander Isak were introduced just after the hour in a bid to spark a response, but Liverpool could not find a way back. They believed a late reprieve was coming when Ibrahima Konaté was awarded a penalty, only for the decision to be overturned following a VAR review.

Super News Football 2025 | Champions League | Galatasaray | Full-time celebrations
Full-time scenes

Did the intense atmosphere contribute to a below-par Liverpool performance?

Liverpool fell short of the standards that carried them to last season’s Premier League title as they suffered defeat in the hostile, deafening atmosphere of Istanbul.

Arne Slot’s side looked fragile at the back, with Alisson forced into early action to deny Baris Alper Yilmaz even before Galatasaray took the lead from the penalty spot. That vulnerability has become a recurring theme this season, with a number of high-profile signings yet to impose themselves despite Liverpool remaining top of the domestic table.

Their European campaign has already carried warning signs, with Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time goal required to edge past Atlético Madrid in the opening fixture. On this occasion, Slot’s decision to hold Mohamed Salah in reserve backfired, while record signing Florian Wirtz again struggled to influence proceedings.

The night ended with further setbacks as Alisson, outstanding once more, departed injured along with Hugo Ekitike. For Liverpool, it capped a bruising few days, and much will rest on their response when they travel to Chelsea on Saturday.

Location: Huzur, Metin Oktay Caddesi, 34386 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye

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