Liverpool falter again in Istanbul

Liverpool endured a near‑identical setback in Istanbul, falling 1-0 to Galatasaray in the Champions League last‑16 first leg after another disjointed performance. Arne Slot’s 100th match in charge quickly turned sour as Mario Lemina’s early header punished chaotic defending, echoing September’s group‑stage defeat in the same stadium. 

The six‑time European champions, stuck in sixth place domestically, now face a daunting task in the March 18 return leg if they hope to salvage their turbulent season. Mohamed Salah, making a club‑record 81st Champions League appearance, endured another subdued outing and was substituted on the hour. 

Liverpool’s frailties were repeatedly exposed, with Victor Osimhen threatening throughout and the visitors relying on Giorgi Mamardashvili to keep the scoreline respectable. Even when Liverpool found the net, VAR intervened to rule out Ibrahima Konaté’s effort for handball. Cody Gakpo’s late miss summed up a night where nothing clicked, leaving the Reds on the brink.