Hugo Ekitike struggled to impact the game as Liverpool fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Galatasaray.
Ekitike has received high praise since he joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer transfer window.
He has been the most consistent player from that £450m spend, but the Frenchman has failed to score against most ‘top’ teams since he signed for Liverpool, with Tuesday night’s meeting another example of his struggles in big games.
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Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool FC looks on after the match with Galatasaray
Credit: Burak Basturk/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images
Hugo Ekitike’s record against the ‘top’ teams is worrying
In 2025/26, Ekitike has found the back of the net 16 times across all competitions, making him the Merseyside outfit’s top goalscorer.
He deserves credit for his finishing ability and has even earned comparisons to Fernando Torres this term.
However, he does tend to go missing when Liverpool are in a big match against a top opponent, failing to score or assist against all of the following sides since August 2025.
Inter Milan
Arsenal
Manchester City (x2)
Real Madrid
Aston Villa
Manchester United
Chelsea
Atletico Madrid
Galatasaray (x2)
Ok, let’s all agree Slot’s done, who you want to see in the dugout next?
Arne Slot ahead of Galatasaray v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League
Credit: Arife Karakum/Anadolu/Anadolu/Getty Images
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The only ‘big six’ team Ekitike has managed to score against this season is Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League and were most recently hammered by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Given he is currently Liverpool’s only fit, natural number nine, his lack of goals against top teams is a real worry, especially at this stage of the season.
The Reds need to mount a comeback against Galatasaray next week to save their European campaign, but Ekitike has so far failed to score against them and missed a big chance on Tuesday, which Arne Slot commented on post-match, as per LiverpoolFC.com.
He said: “I have to give credit to the way they defend as well because they keep on fighting, throwing themselves in front of the balls. And in that moment when Hugo [Ekitike] went one-v-one, it was the goalkeeper [there] to make a very important save.”
After next week’s Champions League clash, Liverpool still have to play top-five rivals Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea in the league, all of whom Ekitike has yet to score against.
If that record does not change soon, it’s hard to see the Reds having enough to secure a Champions League place for the 2026/27 season.
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