With Liverpool back in Istanbul for another huge European night, all the focus is on how Arne Slot’s side handle a hostile early-evening kick-off at RAMS Park.
The tie gets underway at 7.45pm local time (5.45pm UK), with the Turkish champions desperate to take an advantage to Merseyside in next week’s second leg. Liverpool have travelled with a 21-man squad and, crucially, without Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa who were both left at home.
Alisson’s absence is down to a minor issue felt during the final training session at the AXA, with Slot and his staff deciding not to risk the Brazilian so soon after previous hamstring problems this season.
Giorgi Mamardashvili is therefore in line to start in goal again in Turkey, having already deputised when Alisson went off injured in the league defeat to Gala back in September. Chiesa, meanwhile, has not travelled after feeling unwell and missing training on Monday.
The return match at Anfield will have a very different feel too, with UEFA confirming that Galatasaray supporters are banned from attending the second leg because of crowd trouble and pyrotechnics in their recent play-off against Juventus, leaving the away end completely empty.
Meanwhile, Liverpool FC have issued their own statement to ensure that Liverpool fans don’t have any issue themselves in Istanbul.
The official Liverpool account for Supporter Services on X has asked fans in the historic city to respect local customs around eating and drinking in public during Ramadan:
“Information for supporters in Istanbul: As it’s Ramadan, please be mindful that while eating or drinking in public during daylight hours is allowed, it’s discouraged. Bars and restaurants remain open and everyone is welcome, we ask you please respect local customs.”
The guidance is designed to ensure Reds supporters enjoy their trip without causing offence, and to keep relations with the city’s authorities smooth in an evening that will already be fiery enough on it’s own.
🇹🇷 Information for supporters in Istanbul: As it’s Ramadan, please be mindful that while eating or drinking in public during daylight hours is allowed, it’s discouraged.
Bars and restaurants remain open and everyone is welcome, we ask you please respect local customs. #UCL
— Liverpool FC Help (@LFCHelp) March 10, 2026
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