ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 10: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on March 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konatereacts during the Champions League match between Galatasaray and Liverpool at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on March 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey
Liverpool suffered another evening of frustration in Istanbul when they lost 1-0 in the first leg of their . Mario Lemina scored the only goal on seven minutes with Ibrahima Konate having a second-half equaliser contentiously disallowed for handball after a lengthy VAR check.
The result means Arne Slot’s side must now overturn the deficit in the return game at Anfield on Wednesday week if they are to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time in four years.
The ECHO was in attendance at Rams Park and here we run the rule over the performances of the Liverpool players.
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Giorgi Mamardashvili 7
Prevented one cross from creeping in at the far post and good save to keep out Sanchez header first half. Solid display deputising for Alisson.
Joe Gomez 6
Not particularly happy up against Lang but stuck at it. Lacked quality going forward, however, and became ragged in the closing stages.
Ibrahima Konate 4
Could have done better in build-up to opener, got away with one wild clearance and generally unconvincing defending and relieved second Galatasaray goal was disallowed. Close with one shot, though, and a bit unlucky to see own effort chalked off for handball.
Virgil van Dijk 6
Didn’t have it all his own way defensively before interval but made two crucial interventions. Somewhat more composed second half as Galatasaray probed. Booked.
Milos Kerkez 5
Far too rash with some of his decision-making but unlucky to be booked first half after tussle with Yilmaz. Subbed.
Ryan Gravenberch 6
Looked to get Liverpool moving in central areas and some good touches in tight positions first half, but more of a struggle after that. Booked.
Alexis Mac Allister 5
Bypassed a bit too often in the midfield scrap with Galatasaray happy to go long, but began to find some passes in the second half.
Mohamed Salah 5
Got into some good positions in the opening quarter but unable to make most of them and faded horribly. Subbed.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7
Pressing created chances early on but became a bit lost during the wild first 45 minutes before stepping up second half and close with several shots. Booked.
Florian Wirtz 5
Should really have scored at least once in the opening quarter and peripheral somewhat after that. Subbed.
Hugo Ekitike 6
Put in plenty of effort before break but needed some better service and more protection from the referee. Got his chances second half but couldn't convert when clean through and later found by Szoboszlai cross.
SUBS
Jeremie Frimpong (for Salah 60) 6
Brought some pace down the right flank but deliveries not always on point.
Andy Robertson (for Kerkez 60) 6
All over the place with his opening touches but soon settled.
Cody Gakpo (for Wirtz 73)
Some purposeful running and close with shot from range.