Galatasaray vs Liverpool LIVE
The Champions League round-of-16 offered Liverpool a chance at redemption in the high-pressure cauldron of Istanbul’s RAMS Park, but the wasteful Reds instead fell 1-0 to Galatasaray for the second time this season. Having lost by the same scoreline at this ground already in the league phase, Tuesday’s defeat - described by Arne Slot as “bad déjà vu” - means the Merseyside club must turn their fortunes around in next week’s Anfield return leg if they are to avoid an early European exit amid a disappointing domestic campaign.
It was initially a bright start from the hosts, but they could not capitalise on slack play from the Turkish club before falling behind in just the seventh minute as the ever dangerous Victor Osimhen headed a corner delivery towards goal and Mario Lemina reacted quickest to nod it home. That proved to be the decisive effort despite an end-to-end first half and a similarly frantic second period in which both sides saw a goal ruled out.
Galatasaray thought they had doubled their lead after Osimhen netted following one of several mistakes on the night from Ibrahima Konate, but an offside was called in the build-up. The Liverpool defender then thought he had equalised but VAR chalked that one off for a handball offence by the Frenchman. Relive all the action from Tuesday’s game as it happened LIVE below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool latest updates
- MATCH REPORT
- FT: Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
- DISALLOWED GOAL! Konate handball sees would-be Liverpool leveller chalked off
- DISALLOWED GOAL! Osimhen effort ruled out for offside in build-up
- GOAL! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool: Lemina puts hosts in front following corner
- Galatasaray team news: Osimhen up top, Sane among subs
- Liverpool team news: Five changes as Wirtz returns, Gakpo benched, Alisson out
Keep following the Champions League LIVE with Standard Sport
20:25 , Alex DakersThere is, meanwhile, mayhem in Madrid at the moment.
Tottenham have fallen 3-0 down at Atletico Madrid with just 20 minutes gone, and goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky - who replaced the out-of-form Guglielmo Vicario in Igor Tudor’s starting line-up - has already been subbed off.
Click here to follow that match live!
More reaction from Slot
20:21 , Alex DakersHere’s a little more from Slot:
"You play over two games against each other and now it's half-time, they are 1-0 up.
“We can do better, I'm 100 per cent sure about that, but even with the game we played we had enough chances to score goals.
“We didn't. But next week we play at Anfield and our fans will be so supportive for us. That was the situation for Galatasaray today; they had great support from their fans.
“It was difficult for us to play in and difficult for another person on the pitch to manage the game. So, let's hope we can create the same atmosphere next week at Anfield."
"There were a lot of similarities between three months ago and now. We had multiple chances to score.
“After 10, 15 minutes you expect us to lead and then their first attack leads to a set-piece goal. Last time was a penalty, now it was a set-piece goal. And another goal disallowed from us. So, yeah, a lot of similarities."
Galatasaray celebrate
20:32 , Alex DakersNo way out. pic.twitter.com/2CWx8hSD0e
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) March 10, 2026
This was 'bad déjà vu,' Slot says
20:15 , Alex DakersAnd here are some comments from Arne Slot: "It's bad déjà vu, you could say.
“The score is the same as the match three months ago. But we played a game where we could have scored much more.
“We created many chances; we missed many. We were really good in the first 15 minutes. But we couldn't find the goal."
He added: "This is a very difficult stadium, both for opposing players and opposing coaches.
“It's hard to concentrate and it's hard to communicate. Galatasaray are very lucky to have such an atmosphere."
Van Dijk: 'We created a lot, and missed a lot'
20:02 , Alex DakersSome initial reaction from Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk...
"We created a lot of chances, but we also missed a lot,” he told Uefa post-match.
“I think we came very close to scoring in the first half.
“It's very important to take advantage of these opportunities and convert them into goals. We played against a good team in a high-pressure atmosphere."
A high-pressure atmosphere indeed!
The Dutchman added: "The second leg will be at our home. And that's definitely an advantage for us.
“Everything is in our hands when we're at home. We'll be playing there to advance to the next round."
MATCH REPORT: Wasteful Reds lose first leg of Champions League last-16 tie
19:59 , Alex DakersArne Slot’s 100th match as Liverpool boss ended in defeat as Galatasaray capitalised on a sloppy display to win the first leg of this Champions League last-16 tie 1-0 on a deafening evening in Istanbul.
The Premier League champions arrived in Turkey hoping to kick-start a disappointing second season under the Dutchman, only to return home reeling from their second loss of the campaign at rocking RAMS Park.
Liverpool, just like in September’s league phase encounter, fell to a 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray, where the VAR’s intervention, sloppy play and poor decisions meant Mario Lemina’s early goal secured the hosts a first leg advantage.
Why was Konate's goal disallowed?
19:58 , Alex DakersHere’s a little more on the VAR’s decision to rule out Konate’s would-be equaliser:
Ok, so the VAR is saying that the ball hit Konate's arm twice.
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonBBC) March 10, 2026
Firstly from the corner delivery, and then after the ball came off Van Dijk's heel.
If that is the case, it would make it Konate's goal, and correct to rule out Liverpool's goal without an on-field review.#GALLIV https://t.co/EUoRmaMDyS pic.twitter.com/kdUT9q9ILv
FT: Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:40 , Alex DakersIt’s all over in Istanbul, and Galatasaray beat Liverpool 1-0 at this electric ground for the second time this season.
The good news for the wasteful Reds?
There is a second leg of this Champions League last-16 tie to come at Anfield next week, and we’ve seen them come back from worse deficits than this in recent years...
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:39 , Alex Dakers90+5mins: Szoboszlai is booked for a silly but slightly soft foul, throwing his arm out and catching his opponent in the eye.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:38 , Alex Dakers90+5mins: That looks like it will be just about it...
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:37 , Alex Dakers90+3mins: Yilmaz and Torreira off for Galatasaray, Eren Elmali and Ilkay Gundogan on.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:35 , Alex Dakers90+2mins: 15 attempts for Liverpool, six on target, but no goals to show for their efforts.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:35 , Alex Dakers90+1mins: Into the first of four minutes added on, Cody Gakpo tries to curl a long-range effort to the near post but it’s just off target.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:34 , Alex Dakers90mins: Baris Alper Yilmaz tries to dart to the byline but the ball dribbles out of play, and the Gala wide man is holding his hamstring.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:33 , Alex Dakers90mins: Ekitike misses the target, and a minute later is fouled by Davinson Sanchez who earns himself a needless booking and will miss the second leg at Anfield as a result.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:32 , Alex Dakers88mins: Ryan Gravenberch is cautioned and Galatasaray have a central set-piece not far inside the attacking half.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:31 , Alex Dakers87mins: That’s the otherwise terrific Sara’s last action, as Sacha Boey comes on in his place.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:31 , Alex Dakers86mins: Into the side-netting by Sara now after another threatening Galatasaray attack.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:30 , Alex Dakers85mins: That’s whipped in by Gabriel Sara and punched out for a throw by Mamardashvili.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:29 , Alex Dakers84mins: Osimhen is through on goal again after a mix-up involving Konate and Frimpong, but has no help and is shut down.
Then the Gala striker wins possession again and Robertson is forced to block his effort behind for a corner.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:28 , Alex Dakers83mins: The deafening noise continues here in Istanbul.
Will there be an equaliser, or is this the scoreline that will be taken back to Anfield a week from now?
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:26 , Alex Dakers82mins: Osimhen tests the gloves of Mamardashvili from a tough angle on the right of the box, then left-back Singo goes for a follow-up but shoots wide.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:25 , Alex Dakers81mins: It goes long to the back post and eventually out of play, but the referee has blown for another foul against Liverpool - Gakpo the offender, this time.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:25 , Alex Dakers80mins: Van Dijk whips an indirect free-kick forward, Andy Robertson takes it into the box near the byline but Sanchez blocks it and Cakir punches behind for a corner.
Fan reaction
19:24 , Alex DakersHow's the shortest man in the Galatasaray team winning headers ahead of Van Dijk and Konate??
— Kingsley (@ChelseaFreak_) March 10, 2026
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:23 , Alex Dakers78mins: Another free header for Galatasaray, Torreira is marginally offside but the diminutive midfielder nods just high and wide.
Another warning shot for Liverpool.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:21 , Alex Dakers77mins: Galatasaray changes now, Noa Lang and goal-scorer Mario Lemina replaced by Yunus Akgun and Roland Sallai.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:21 , Alex Dakers76mins: The ball lands on the roof of the Galatasaray net as Van Dijk swipes at it and Sanchez just about clears.
The whistle went anyway, against Van Dijk for jumping with the goalkeeper.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:18 , Alex Dakers73mins: Liverpool are fuming and Arne Slot makes a change, replacing Wirtz with Cody Gakpo during that long VAR check.
LIVERPOOL GOAL DISALLOWED!
19:15 , Alex Dakers70mins: I have no idea who got the final touch, but the ball is in from that corner!
But hang on... VAR are checking for a handball call against Ibrahima Konate; it was accidental and the ball bounced off several more players several more times before hitting the back of the net.
It is disallowed!
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:13 , Alex Dakers69mins: Another corner to the visitors now as Szoboszlai’s cross is blocked by Davinson Sanchez.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:11 , Alex Dakers67mins: Pushing in the box sees Liverpool penalises as the corner is delivered.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:10 , Alex Dakers66mins: Ekitike is through one-on-one but hesitates, slows down and by the time he tries to dink it over the goalie he has been caught by the Galatasaray backline and the ball deflects out for a corner as Cakır saves.
Fan reaction
19:13 , Alex DakersBoy... when Konate decides to have a bad game
— Eki-Tiki-Taka (@trsynwax) March 10, 2026
He REALLY makes it memorable!
GALATASARAY DISALLOWED GOAL!
19:07 , Alex Dakers62mins: Shocking defending from Liverpool’s backline and Konate in particular, once again, lets Galatasaray in to score - and it’s Victor Osimhen who finds the back of the net!
But is there an offside in there?
There is!
Barıs Alper Yılmaz is the man flagged, but that is a real let off for Liverpool after several comical errors.
He didn't actually touch the ball but was beyond the last defender and initially started moving towards the ball, before Konate made a mess of his back pass.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:05 , Alex Dakers61mins: Poor first action from Robertson to give the ball away in a dangerous area, but the Scot recovers well.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:04 , Alex Dakers60mins: Absolutely deafening, the whistles whenever Liverpool are in possession.
A tough away atmosphere to play in, you’d imagine, just how Galatasaray will like it.
On the pitch, Mac Allister gives away a foul and here come Liverpool’s subs.
Mo Salah off along with the yellow-carded Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson on in their respective places.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:03 , Alex Dakers59mins: The hosts are growing into this half, just as they did in the opening period after a slow start.
Liverpool subs incoming
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:01 , Alex Dakers57mins: Szoboszlai takes matters into his own hands again, but his curling long-range effort falls wide of the right-hand post.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
19:01 , Alex Dakers56mins: Gala centre-back Bardakci has a go from a tight angle, but it hits the side netting.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:59 , Alex Dakers55mins: A yellow card for Van Dijk now, the Liverpool skipper having lunged in late on Baris Alper Yilmaz - who also got Milos Kerkez booked in the first half - after losing a battle of strength.
Fan reaction: Konate
18:58 , Alex DakersMadrid can have Konate! This is shocking #GALLIV
— Luke 🇮🇪 (@l_uuuke) March 10, 2026
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:57 , Alex Dakers53mins: Nothing comes of the resulting throw-in, but Galatasaray players are being allowed far too much space in dangerous areas.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:57 , Alex Dakers52mins: The visitors are pushed back into their own half and then a weak header from Konate gives Galatasaray’s forwards hope, before Van Dijk snuffs it out.
Here come the hosts again, though, and Mamardashvili is called into action to punch away a cross under pressure.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:55 , Alex Dakers51mins: You sense there are more goals to be had in this match, but none so far in this second half - just lots of Liverpool possession.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:52 , Alex Dakers47mins: The visitors launch a ball into the box from a long throw-in and Alexis Mac Allister - about 15 yards out - chests it down before rifling it towards goal, but it misses narrowly to the left.
Another good start to a half by Liverpool - can they sustain it, and find an equaliser?
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:50 , Alex Dakers46mins: Powerful early effort from Szoboszlai from the edge of the area, parried by Cakir.
Back underway
18:49 , Alex Dakers46mins: We go again!
Fan reaction: Slot to make changes in second half?
18:47 , Alex DakersRobertson, Gakpo and Jones, to make a difference in 2nd half.
— Aniket Kulkarni (@aniket_kulkarni) March 10, 2026
At 1-0 we are still in the game, need to improve decision making.
Overall play is poor though, all chances came from Galatasaray poor play.
Are these player going to get the grip of game? 2nd half crucial.#GALLIV
Fan reaction: Liverpool 'sloppy'
18:42 , Alex DakersSloppy felt like an understatement at times, Cam!
What a chaotic and sloppy first-half that was by the Reds crikey, it was like watching a basketball game at times.
— Cam (@ProxyAnalytics) March 10, 2026
1-0 down, advantage Galatasaray. #GALLIV #LFC #UCL
HT: Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:33 , Alex DakersThat is that from a high-octane first half.
All of Liverpool’s momentum from a high pressure, error-strewn opening few minutes for Galatasaray was wiped out by another goal conceded from a corner - the hosts’ very first of the match, nodded in by Mario Lemina from a Victor Osimhen assist.
The Reds worked their way back into the action, finishing the half with six shots, but Gala fired off nine including several chances with no visiting defenders in sight.
Back shortly!
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:32 , Alex Dakers45+1mins: Two mins added on.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:32 , Alex Dakers45mins: Free-kick to Liverpool some way back from the left of the box, but the delivery is blocked and Van Dijk is penalised for shoving Mario Lemina over anyway.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:29 , Alex Dakers43mins: Baris fouls Milos Kerkez now as the two tussle for the ball.
It has been a frantic first half - will we get another goal before the break?
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:28 , Alex Dakers42mins: Galatasaray with another corner, Lemina gets to it first but his header misses to the left.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:27 , Alex Dakers41mins: Salah clips a long delivery across the box which Kerkez heads back into the middle, but it’s tough for Wirtz to get much power behind his own header which loops into Cakir’s waiting gloves.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:25 , Alex Dakers39mins: Miscommunication between Van Dijk - facing the play - and Gravenberch - facing the other way - as the ball bounces lets Galatasaray forward, but the visitors recover.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:23 , Alex Dakers37mins: It’s played short to Mo Salah, then wide right to Joe Gomez, but the defender’s first attempted delivery is blocked and his second is scooped up and over.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:22 , Alex Dakers37mins: Osimhen gives away a foul on Gravenberch as Gala try to break, so Alexis Mac Allister will deliver a free-kick from deep.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:22 , Alex Dakers36mins: The corner, Liverpool's first of the evening, is whipped in by Szoboszlai but Cakir punches it before Van Dijk can get his head to the ball.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:21 , Alex Dakers35mins: In comes the free-kick delivery from Noa Lang, flicked into the box by Mario Lemina but Mamardashvili grabs and sets Liverpool away.
Up the other end, the visitors win a corner.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:19 , Alex Dakers33mins: A minute later, Milos Kerkez is shown the match’s first yellow card for felling Baris Alper Yilmaz.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:18 , Alex Dakers32mins: Lemina, who is fine to carry on, soon gives away a foul on Gravenberch in Liverpool’s half.
Fan thoughts: Konate poor so far
18:20 , Alex DakersKonate’s game is full of errors #GALLIV
— Serame Tladi (@serametladi) March 10, 2026
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:16 , Alex Dakers30mins: Szoboszlai and Lemina go up to challenge for a 50:50 and the Gala goal-scorer comes off worse, hitting the turf and receiving some brief treatment.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:16 , Alex Dakers29mins: Konate is absolutely let off the hook, completely missing the ball when attempting to clear a cross and allowing Victor Osimhen an uncontested shot.
The Galatasaray striker clearly wasn’t expecting that to reach him and lashes at it quickly, sending the ball over the crossbar.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:14 , Alex Dakers28mins: Jakobs launches a long throw in, but Van Dijk steers it clear.
Gala come again, though, and Lemina tries to find Sara who is nudged off his feet by Konate as Mamardashvili gathers the ball but the referee rightly rules there was nothing penalty-worthy in that.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:12 , Alex Dakers26mins: By my count we’ve had 10 shots already, five for Galatasaray and five for Liverpool.
Dominik Szoboszlai finds Alexis Mac Allister with a free-kick delivery from deep into the box, but the Argentine doesn’t get much on it and it’s an easy gather for Cakir.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:11 , Alex Dakers25mins: No luck from the corner that follows for Galatasaray, but Liverpool have got to tighten up at the back or this could get ugly.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:10 , Alex Dakers24mins: Davinson Sanchez is gifted a free header in the middle of Liverpool’s box, and Mamardashvili reacts well to push it behind.
Fan reaction: Wirtz's missed chance
18:09 , Alex DakersSome fan reaction to that missed chance by Florian Wirtz - making his first start in over a month - a few minutes ago.
A reminder that you can let us know your thoughts in the comments of this blog, or on X/Twitter using the hashtag #GALLIV.
Wirtz should not have been starting this much imo, don't like him on the left anyway and he doesn't look match fit. Urgh, we're so wasteful tonight.. Again #GALLIV
— Richard Socks 💚 (@SocksyBeast) March 10, 2026
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:08 , Alex Dakers22mins: The resulting corner is far less impactful than the first, with Virgil van Dijk clearing.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:08 , Alex Dakers22mins: Noa Lang, who won the corner that resulted in the hosts going ahead, lets fly and Mamardashvili just about tips it behind.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:07 , Alex Dakers20mins: Victor Osimhen, who you sense is going to be a real nuisance for Liverpool’s backline all night, is ruled offside.
It followed a heart-in-mouth moment for Mamardashvili, who rushed off his line but was beaten to the ball by the Galatasaray striker.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:04 , Alex Dakers18mins: Ibrahima Konate’s turn to go for goal now, but the ball is just rising a little too much and whistles over the crossbar from outside the area.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
18:02 , Alex Dakers16mins: Florian Wirtz forces a save from Cakir, and that’s better from Liverpool - working the ball right to left to find the on-rushing German in the box.
It’s a first-time finish from Wirtz, but it bobbles and ultimately is not the hardest of saves for the Gala ‘keeper.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
17:58 , Alex Dakers12mins: Van Dijk has made two crucial stops of Victor Osimhen since that goal, but then the Galatasaray striker has a free header at the back post and glances it narrowly wide.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
17:57 , Alex Dakers11mins: How do Liverpool respond to that - particularly in this atmosphere, where whistles and jeers greet their every touch?
GOAL! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
17:53 , Alex Dakers7mins: Galatasaray lead through Mario Lemina!
Noa Lang won a corner with the hosts’ first real foray forward, his cross put behind by Milos Kerkez, and Liverpool concede from the resulting set-piece.
Victor Osimhen heads the initial backpost delivery towards goal and Lemina reacts quicker than any visiting defenders to nod the ball in from close range.
A penny for Arne Slot’s thoughts...
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
17:50 , Alex Dakers4mins: No dice on this occasion, as Galatasaray clear Gomez’s delivery.
But then the hosts give the ball away TWICE through Davinson Sanchez, and get away with it as Liverpool can’t quite manage to fire off a shot.
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
17:49 , Alex Dakers3mins: Liverpool have a long throw, with Joe Gomez set to launch the ball into the box from wide.
Good early pressure from the visitors.
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
17:49 , Alex Dakers2mins: A lapse in position by Mario Lemina allows Florian Wirtz to gain possession, the fit-again German lets fly but it’s wide from distance.
Fan thoughts: Liverpool to take a draw?
17:47 , Alex DakersI’ll be honest I’d take a draw tonight and take it back to Anfield #GALLIV #UCL
— Jack Weston (@JackThomasWesto) March 10, 2026
KICK-OFF!
17:46 , Alex Dakers1mins: And away we go in Istanbul!
Revenge for Liverpool, back-to-back home wins (and an advantage coming into next week’s second leg) over the Reds for Galatasaray, or a tense stalemate?
Team news in full
17:48 , Alex DakersA quick reminder of our team news...
Galatasaray XI: Cakir; Singo, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Baris, Sara, Lang; Osimhen
Subs: Batuhan, Gunay, Sallai, Icardi, Sane, Yunus, Eren, Gundogan, Ahmed, Asprilla, Kaan, Boey
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
Subs: Woodman, Misciur, Jones, Gakpo, Robertson, Frimpong, Nyoni, Nallo, Morrison, Ngumoha
Teams on the pitch
17:43 , Alex DakersBoth squads are out on the pitch now in this energised cauldron of a stadium.
Here we go!
Salah makes more history
17:42 , Alex DakersMohamed Salah tonight becomes Liverpool's outright all-time record appearance maker in the Champions League, with his 81st outing surpassing the tally reached by Jamie Carragher.
He could also make history if he scores tonight by becoming the first African player to reach 50 UCL goals.
Fan reaction: RAMS Park's electric atmosphere
17:38 , Alex DakersGalatasaray vs Liverpool at RAMS Park is arguably the loudest fixture in world football. Arne Slot has the Reds playing some great stuff but surviving that "Welcome to Hell" atmosphere is a different kind of test entirely. Can Osimhen haunt another English side? #GALLIV…
— Emma CFC (@footballconer) March 10, 2026
10 to go
17:35 , Alex DakersJust 10 minutes until kick-off now, folks.
Counting down to kick-off ⏳ #UCL pic.twitter.com/pxtSnLym8R
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 10, 2026
Any final predictions?
Coming up
17:34 , Alex DakersWho’s ready?
Today's menu.#GSLIV #UCL pic.twitter.com/RBqQ6dQxC5
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) March 10, 2026
What's at stake tonight?
17:29 , Alex DakersIn this very first Champions League last-16 match of the year, there stands a chance to take an advantage into the decisive second legs of these knockout ties which will take place next week.
Win on aggregate over the two legs, and one of these two clubs will advance to the quarter-finals to face either Chelsea or holders Paris Saint-Germain.
Watch out, Reds...
17:25 , Alex DakersGalatasaray certainly have goals in their squad, so Liverpool’s backline will expect to have their hands full tonight.
Indeed, the Turkish club have scored three or more goals in eight of their last 13 European home matches.
They’ve also won three and drawn one of their five Champions League home games this season, and are unbeaten in 10 on home soil across all competitions.
Liverpool have been solid away from home this term, though, with their only loss at this ground in September.
Warm-ups in progress
17:22 , Alex DakersIn any case, warm-ups at RAMS Park are well underway.
Wirtz and Szoboszlai interchanging?
17:18 , Alex DakersIf this team sheet is accurate, it may be Florian Wirtz starting in the middle of a Liverpool 4-2-3-1 with Dominik Szoboszlai on the left.
Unusual!
Sheeeeeeeet #LFC #GALLIV 🔴 pic.twitter.com/tCuEqRP91I
— ultimate sports update (@HassanSports26) March 10, 2026
Countdown to kick-off
17:15 , Alex DakersHalf an hour until kick-off in Istanbul!
Stick with us for more build-up, plus play-by-play updates once we get underway.
Suspension tightrope for Osimhen and co
17:13 , Alex DakersVictor Osimhen is among half a dozen Galatasaray players in a precarious position with yellow cards after the knockout play-off tie against Juventus.
If he or any of that bunch - including both central defenders and the goalkeeper - are booked again tonight, they’ll miss the return leg at Anfield next week.
Galatasaray are already set to play that match without any travelling support, as a result of unrest during their meetings with Juve.
From the start of the league phase, a player will receive a one-match suspension after receiving three yellow cards.
Another one-match ban is dished out if a player is booked five times and another for seven times. These tallies are not wiped until after the quarter-final stage.
The only Liverpool player somewhat at risk is Curtis Jones, who starts on the bench tonight.
Big smiles from Slot
17:10 , Alex DakersA smiley-faced Arne Slot is surveying the surroundings here at RAMS Park in Istanbul.
Speaking to reporters a few minutes ago, he rued the “fine margins” by which his side lost their last visit here, to a Victor Osimhen penalty.
Slot also admitted it was “a disappointment” to be without Alisson but said the club have “a good one” backing the Brazilian up, in Giorgi Mamardashvili.
“It's a well-known fact how good a goalkeeper he is, and we're lucky to have him,” the Dutchman added.
Szoboszlai's away streak
17:05 , Alex DakersDominik Szoboszlai has scored in each of Liverpool’s last three away days in the Champions League, finding the net against Marseille, Inter Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Will he add to that tally today?
Fan thoughts: Liverpool's lineup
17:00 , Alex Dakers4xCM✅ This will give us a lot of flexibility and allow us to create different formations. I think we will mainly play in a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation(IP), focusing on the left side and Kerkez's runs. I am very excited about this match. Up the Reds🔴🔥#GALLIV https://t.co/B1POWLZ7yD pic.twitter.com/Pnb0IdWbgW
— 𝙺𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕 ™ (@JohanKamilTM) March 10, 2026
What shape will Liverpool take?
16:55 , Alex DakersThe dropping of Cody Gakpo to the bench suggests Arne Slot may experiment with a narrower set-up tonight than the 4-2-3-1 we were expecting.
Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai starting together again offers the chance to play with dual No10s ahead of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, though Wirtz can of course play as a left-sided attacker as well.
It could be a 4-2-3-1, then, or indeed a 4-2-2-2 with Mohamed Salah to the right of Hugo Ekitike up top.
We’ll find out soon enough!
Click here to read the full blog on The The Standard's website
.png?w=600)
