Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray Beat Liverpool 1–0 in Champions League Last‑16 First Leg
Galatasaray secured a crucial 1–0 victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg at Rams Park Stadium, Istanbul, giving the Turkish side a slim advantage ahead of the return fixture at Anfield on March 18. The result came during Arne Slot’s 100th game in charge of Liverpool and highlighted persistent defensive issues for the Premier League side.
The decisive goal came in the seventh minute when midfielder Mario Lemina headed home from close range. The goal followed a well-executed corner routine, with Victor Osimhen flicking the ball back across the goal for Lemina to convert past Giorgi Mamardashvili, deputising for the injured first-choice keeper Alisson Becker. This marked Lemina’s first goal of the season, and a historic moment recalling his winning strike for Fulham against Liverpool five years ago.
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Liverpool’s attempts to respond were hindered by both VAR decisions and Galatasaray’s resilience. Osimhen’s potential second goal was ruled out due to an offside in the buildup, and a late strike from Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner was disallowed after video review confirmed the ball struck Ibrahima Konaté’s arm, leaving the Reds unable to equalize.
Throughout a tense and frenzied match, Liverpool created several opportunities. Florian Wirtz narrowly missed a chance following a defensive lapse by Galatasaray’s Uğurcan Çakır, while Konaté and Van Dijk saw shots blocked or saved. Mamardashvili made crucial saves, including denying Davinson Sánchez and Hugo Ekitike, ensuring Galatasaray retained their slender lead.
The win mirrors Galatasaray’s earlier 1–0 group stage victory over Liverpool and underscores the challenge Slot’s side faces in overturning the deficit at Anfield. Analysts note that Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on set pieces, remain a major concern as the Champions League knockout stage progresses.
The narrow result sets up an intense second leg, where Liverpool will need to overcome the deficit to advance, while Galatasaray aims to defend their advantage and continue their strong European campaign.
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