Liverpool Fall 1-0 at Galatasaray in Champions League as Osimhen’s Penalty Proves Decisive
Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray at RAMS Park on Tuesday night in the Champions League. Victor Osimhen’s 16th-minute penalty decided the match, while injuries to Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike deepened the Reds’ disappointment.
Early Penalty Shifts Momentum
Arne Slot’s side started brightly, controlling possession despite a hostile Turkish atmosphere. Cody Gakpo’s effort was cleared off the line before Dominik Szoboszlai was penalized for a foul on Baris Alper Yilmaz. Osimhen converted from the spot, handing the hosts an early lead that Liverpool struggled to overturn.
Missed Chances Before the Break
Liverpool pressed for an equaliser, with Jeremie Frimpong and Ekitike both going close, while Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez nearly forced the ball in from a corner. Florian Wirtz also tested Ugurcan Cakir, but the Galatasaray goalkeeper stood firm.
Injuries Disrupt Reds’ Plans
The second half brought further frustration. Alisson produced a fine save to deny Osimhen but injured himself in the process, forcing Giorgi Mamardashvili into action. Minutes later, striker Hugo Ekitike was also forced off, adding to Liverpool’s growing list of concerns.
Late Drama with VAR
Substitutes Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Conor Bradley injected urgency, with Liverpool pushing hard for a late equaliser. The Reds thought they had earned a penalty in the 89th minute after a foul on Ibrahima Konaté, but VAR overturned the decision, sealing Galatasaray’s victory.
What It Means
The defeat leaves Liverpool empty-handed from their second group-stage match, increasing pressure in a competitive Champions League group. For Galatasaray, the result marks a statement win at home, with Osimhen once again proving decisive.
Liverpool Line-up vs. Galatasaray
Alisson (Mamardashvili, 56’), Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Jones, Gakpo (Isak, 62’), Ekitike (Mac Allister, 69’), Frimpong (Salah, 62’), Gravenberch (Bradley, 62’).
Unused subs: Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Robertson, Ngumoha.
