Arne Slot's Liverpool suffered a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Galatasaray in their Champions League last-16 tie with poor defending proving costly in Istanbul
20:02, 10 Mar 2026Updated 20:02, 10 Mar 2026
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Liverpool struggled in the Champions League against Galatasaray(Image: Getty)
Arne Slot's Liverpool endured a punishing first-leg defeat away to Galatasaray on an evening when it could've - and arguably should've - been far worse for the six-time champions.
The Reds will enter next week's second leg with tasks to complete if they wish to prolong their Champions League journey beyond the last-16. Liverpool's evening began in the worst possible way when the hosts scored just seven minutes into the game.
Ghost defending became a recurring theme of the first half, with Mario Lemina given ample time and space in the penalty area to slot home a nod down from a Galatasaray corner. The only surprise at half-time was that Liverpool weren't trailing by more than one.
Galatasaray AS v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg
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Liverpool were tested to their limits against Galatasaray(Image: Getty)
Both teams managed to score in the second half, but neither goal stood.
A marginal offside saw a Victor Osimhen strike disallowed, whilst an equally contentious decision overturned an Ibrahima Konate goal, with the VAR assistant judging the final touch to have come off the defender's arm.
Daily Star Sportprovides player ratings after a humbling night in Istanbul...
Giorgi Mamardashvili, 6/10 - The only member of that Liverpool defence who can exit with his head held high. It could've been far worse had Liverpool's reserve goalkeeper not brought his top form. He made a few crucial saves towards the end of the first half when Galatasaray were cranking up the pressure, reports the Express.
Joe Gomez, 5/10 - Faced a challenging task against Noa Lang and struggled to keep pace with the elusive winger throughout the game. Provided very little from an attacking perspective and was often responsible for attacks breaking down.
Ibrahima Konate, 1/10 - A disastrous performance from the typically dependable Frenchman. Looked bewildered as the ball sailed over his head for the opener, and failed to bounce back from that moment. Saved by the offside flag for what could've been the most comical mistake leading to a goal this season, whilst his night deteriorated further when his handball resulted in an equaliser being disallowed.
Virgil van Dijk, 5/10 - Nowhere near as poor as his centre-back colleague, but it wasn't a match to remember for the Liverpool captain. Unsteady, disjointed and unusually prone to errors. His evening was epitomised by a late tackle midway through the second half that earned the Dutchman a yellow card. It will sound alarm bells for the Reds' management, as the day he'll need to be replaced is drawing nearer and nearer.
Milos Kerkez, 5/10 - Andy Robertson must be wondering what more he needs to do to secure a starting position in this Liverpool squad. It was another underwhelming performance from the Hungarian, who was substituted in the second half for the far more seasoned Scot.
Ryan Gravenberch, 6/10 - He certainly had to work hard in the pressure cooker that is Rams Park. Found himself outpaced at times, but he wasn't the primary offender. He did well to cover as much territory as he did and threatened the Galatasaray goal with a couple of quick attempts.
Alexis Mac Allister, 4/10 - However, Gravenberch's midfield partner left a lot to be desired. Careless with the ball and offering nothing without it, the Argentine continues to appear a shadow of the player who dominated midfields for Liverpool on their journey to last season's final.
Dominik Szoboszlai, 5/10.
Florian Wirtz, 2/10 - It was one step forward, two steps back for the high-profile signing. His performance encapsulated his Liverpool career to date: neat touches and an opportunity to make a difference, but the final move was absent when it mattered most. He botched his lines early in the first half with a shot from 12 yards out and disappeared thereafter.
Mohamed Salah, 3/10 - Talk about the end of an era. A challenging Champions League match away from home with Liverpool requiring a goal, and the Egyptian is substituted at half-time. It was a bold move from Slot, but a warranted one, as the forward scarcely troubled the Galatasaray defence during the initial 45 minutes.
Hugo Ekitike - 5/10.
Substitutes:
Jeremie Frimpong, 6/10.
Andy Robertson, 6/10.
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Cody Gakpo, 6/10.