Key Takeaways:
- Galatasaray supporters set off a major fireworks display outside Liverpool’s hotel at 3.55am local time last night
- Both clubs will contest a high-stakes Champions League group stage fixture in Istanbul tonight
- Galatasaray are on a seven-match winning streak in the Super Lig and feature stars such as Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, Victor Osimhen, and Mauro Icardi
Fireworks Disturb Liverpool Squad on Champions League Eve
Liverpool’s preparations for their Champions League clash against Galatasaray were disrupted in dramatic fashion last night, as Galatasaray fans orchestrated a significant fireworks display outside the team hotel in Istanbul during the early hours. Local residents and visiting footballers alike would have witnessed the night sky illuminated, with footage of the spectacle posted online at 3.55am local time. The racket is expected to have severely disturbed the sleep of Arne Slot’s players, including Alexander Isak, Mo Salah, and Florian Wirtz.
At 1:55am, Galatasaray fans let fireworks off outside of Liverpool's team hotel. 🇹🇷🎆 pic.twitter.com/K5IWzPlgRO
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 30, 2025
Fireworks were set off by Galatasaray supporters who gathered outside the team’s accommodation, intentionally causing a commotion that broke the silence of the night. With the Champions League group stage encounter scheduled for Tuesday evening, Liverpool may face the prospect of entering the fixture fatigued due to the sleepless night.
Istanbul’s Atmosphere: Galatasaray’s Fan Culture and Home Advantage
The fervour and intensity of Turkish football fandom is well documented, particularly in Istanbul, where allegiances are staunchly divided between clubs such as Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas. Home fans are renowned for their passionate support, utilising pyrotechnics and elaborate tifos to generate an intimidating environment at Rams Park.
Galatasaray’s recent pedigree adds to their confidence: they have prevailed in all seven of their league fixtures so far this season, and have secured the last three Turkish Super Lig titles. The squad is studded with notable talents, including former Manchester City duo Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane, as well as ex-Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and former Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi, all of whom pose a significant threat in attack.
| Fixture | Date | Venue | Notable Galatasaray Players | Notable Liverpool Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galatasaray vs Liverpool | 30.09.2025 | Rams Park, Istanbul | Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi | Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz |
Liverpool’s Recent Form and Selection Concerns
Liverpool are contending with several selection issues ahead of their trip to Rams Park. Giovanni Leoni is absent due to a season-ending ACL injury, while Federico Chiesa has not travelled after being registered as Leoni’s replacement. The Italian forward made an impact coming off the bench to score a late equaliser against Crystal Palace on Saturday, but Liverpool ultimately fell to their first defeat of the season following a last-gasp goal from the Eagles.
The Evolution of Istanbul’s Footballing Intensity
Noted football journalist Martin Lipton has reflected on Istanbul’s formidable reputation, recalling a time when “Welcome to Hell” banners and high-intensity hostility greeted English teams. Iconic incidents include Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United squad being met by aggressive Galatasaray crowds and chaotic scenes at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium in the early 1990s. Notably, in 2000, concerns around travelling to Istanbul heightened after the tragic deaths of two Leeds United supporters.
While the city’s notoriety persists, Liverpool’s 2005 “Miracle in Istanbul” at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium painted a different memory for Merseyside fans. Galatasaray’s relocation in 2011 to the more modern, 52,000-capacity Rams Park, has arguably diluted some of the former intimidation factor, but the energy and loyalty of the Turkish crowd remain undeniable.
Recent European fixtures at Rams Park have delivered mixed fortunes for the home side, including notable wins over Manchester United in 2012-13 and Tottenham Hotspur, but also heavy defeats such as the 4-1 loss to Arsenal in 2014-15. Tonight’s match promises a raucous setting and vibrant red and yellow displays as both teams look to seize a crucial victory in the Champions League group stage.
