Galatasaray warmed up for Liverpool’s Champions League visit by ending their rivals’ 18-game unbeaten streak, sending an early warning to Arne Slot and Co.
Liverpool and Galatasaray will both head into Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg off the back of a win, with the latter having a days lest rest.
The Turkish side, who have already notched a 1-0 win over the Reds this season, were involved in the Istanbul derby on Saturday, with Besiktas hosting the Super Lig fixture.
Besiktas were unbeaten in their previous 18 games heading into the fixture, but saw their run ended by a single strike from Victor Osimhen in the first half.
Okan Buruk’s side had less possession and managed four shots on target compared to Besiktas’ seven, but they did not allow the hosts to create a single big chance, as per FotMob.
They also played the final 30 minutes with 10 men after Leroy Sane was shown a straight red card after his studs landed directly on the ankle of Ridvan Yilmaz.
The win extended Galatasaray’s lead at the top of the table, moving seven points ahead of Fenerbahce, having played a game more.
Galatasaray name strong lineup ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League visit
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Tuesday, September 30, 2025: Galatasaray supporters get very excited as the names of the players are read out during the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray A.?. and Liverpool FC at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium. Galatasaray won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Galatasaray’s league match followed a midweek win in the Turkish Cup, a match that they rotated heavily for, with only three players retained for Saturday’s derby.
Thus, it was a strong side on Saturday for the Turkish outfit, who will now have less time between games compared to Liverpool after their win on Friday evening.
Galatasaray XI vs. Besiktas
Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Sane, Sara, Yilmaz; Osimhen
Reports from Haberler, a Turkish outlet, meanwhile, claim the club’s management had to reset the players’ focus as they were talking about Liverpool instead of their match against Besiktas.
Arne Slot was able to rest Hugo Ekitike, while playing Ibrahima Konate for only nine minutes and welcoming Florian Wirtz back off the bench following a back issue.
When is Liverpool’s Champions League last 16 tie vs. Galatasaray
Liverpool will face Galatasaray over two legs this month, with a place in the quarter-final on the line against either PSG or Chelsea:
• First Leg (Istanbul): Tuesday, March 10 – 5.45pm (GMT)
• Second Leg (Anfield): Wednesday, March 18 – 8pm (GMT)
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