Galatasaray secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Liverpool on Tuesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie.
Midfielder Mario Lemina scored the only goal of the match in the seventh minute, giving the Turkish champions a slim advantage ahead of the return leg at Anfield. Lemina found the net with a diving header after Victor Osimhen nodded a corner back across the goal.
The Gabon international later thanked his teammates and supporters after being named Player of the Match, saying the team worked hard to secure the win, much like their earlier meeting in the competition.
The result echoed the clubs’ previous encounter in September, when Galatasaray also recorded a 1–0 victory, courtesy of a penalty converted by Osimhen.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, marking his 100th match in charge, described the result as disappointing, noting that his team created several opportunities but failed to capitalise.
Both sides had goals disallowed late in the game after decisions by match officials.
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Osimhen appeared to have doubled Galatasaray’s lead shortly after the hour mark, but the effort was ruled out when Baris Alper Yilmaz was adjudged offside during the build-up.
Liverpool also saw a goal cancelled in the 70th minute following a goalmouth scramble. A VAR review showed the ball had struck Ibrahima Konate’s hand before crossing the line.
The visitors began the match strongly and created a number of early chances before Galatasaray seized control after the opening goal.
Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili produced several crucial saves to keep his side in the contest, while Galatasaray’s Ugurcan Cakir denied Hugo Ekitike with an impressive stop late in the match.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admitted his side created chances but could not convert them, though he remained confident ahead of the return leg.
He said playing the second leg at Anfield next Wednesday could provide Liverpool with a crucial advantage.
Galatasaray progressed to the round of 16 after defeating Juventus 7–5 on aggregate in the play-offs, while Liverpool qualified directly for the knockout stage after finishing third in the league phase.
