Key Takeaways:
- Victor Osimhen converted a 16th-minute penalty to secure Galatasaray’s 1-0 home win over Liverpool in the second round of the Champions League.
- Liverpool suffered their second consecutive defeat after losing to Crystal Palace over the weekend, and failed to score for the first time this season under Arne Slot.
- Alisson was forced off with an injury during the match, with Mamardashvili coming on as his replacement.
Match Analysis
Galatasaray claimed a notable 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the second round of the Champions League, thanks to a first-half penalty by Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker found the net in the 16th minute, firing home from the spot after Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai struck Yilmaz in the face inside the box, a decision which came after a fast-paced opening period.
The encounter opened in lively fashion, with Galatasaray nearly taking the lead as early as the second minute. Yilmaz outpaced Kerkez and went one-on-one with Alisson, who was up to the task and kept the score level. The game continued to flow at a high tempo, with both sides creating opportunities. In the 13th minute, Ekitike breached the defence but failed to beat the goalkeeper, and Gakpo’s follow-up was cleared off the line. It was from a quick counter that Galatasaray earned their decisive penalty, which Osimhen converted with assurance.
You'll never walk alone, but sometimes you walk out without points 🤷♂️#UCL pic.twitter.com/oFsyQ2xfSv
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) September 30, 2025
Liverpool’s Struggles and Injury Setback
Despite falling behind, Liverpool attempted to respond, but the hosts’ aggressive pressing led to multiple errors among the Merseyside ranks. Galatasaray’s defensive organisation forced Liverpool to work hard for clear opportunities, while Osimhen and Gakpo both saw their shots blocked in quick succession. The best chance for the visitors before the break came from a sharp attack ending with Wirtz’s volley, which Cakir saved impressively.
Liverpool saw further opportunities via two consecutive corners: Van Dijk nodded the ball down for Kerkez, who failed to generate power on either of his two attempts, before Konaté headed off target moments later. Galatasaray remained dangerous on the counter, with Osimhen narrowly missing a chance to lob Alisson.
Liverpool endured another blow as goalkeeper Alisson sustained an injury and was substituted for Mamardashvili. This came after the interval, just as the visitors increased their intensity in pursuit of an equaliser. Slot reacted to the one-goal deficit and Alisson’s setback by introducing Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak after an hour of play, hoping to spark a late revival.
Second Half: Liverpool Search in Vain
The visitors opened the second half with renewed urgency, pressing high and challenging Galatasaray’s defensive lines. Frimpong’s surge down the wing set up Ekitike for a clever backheel, but Cakir dealt with the danger. Moments later, a Liverpool turnover almost allowed Osimhen to double the score, but Curtis Jones made a crucial recovery tackle after initially losing possession.
Osimhen had another one-on-one opportunity following a Konaté error, but again found Alisson equal to the task before the Brazilian was forced off injured. Slot sought to increase attacking power by sending on Isak and Salah; Isak was soon picked out by Wirtz but could not beat Cakir. For the first time this season, Isak and Ekitike featured together, although this partnership was short-lived due to a physical issue that saw the Frenchman replaced.
As the encounter drew to a close, Liverpool dominated possession but struggled to break down Galatasaray’s resilient defence. The Turkish side dropped deeper, and their disciplined defensive shape, coupled with determined teamwork, saw them preserve the one-goal lead. Near the end, Liverpool were momentarily awarded a penalty, but the referee overturned the decision after viewing the monitor.
Conclusion
Galatasaray’s early lead, defensive discipline, and pressing game proved decisive against a Liverpool side missing key starters and hampered by individual errors and an injury to Alisson. The Merseysiders, losing for the second time in quick succession and blanked for the first time this season, face pressing questions as the Champions League campaign continues.
