The blockbuster 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg between Galatasaray vs Liverpool was held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 20:45 local time (Istanbul) / 17:45 GMT / 1:45 PM ET. Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday as Mario Lemina’s goal.
The match was hosted at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkey. This tie sees the Turkish champions host the Premier League giants in a high-stakes knockout clash. The return leg will take place at Anfield to determine who progresses to the quarter-finals.
Galatasaray advanced through the league phase and play-offs with impressive home form, including a famous 1-0 win over Liverpool earlier in the 2025/26 campaign.
Coach Okan Buruk has a near-full squad, with Victor Osimhen in red-hot form (7 goals in the competition). The home crowd at RAMS Park (known as “Hell”) will create a ferocious atmosphere.
Liverpool finished strongly in the league phase and is in excellent form under Arne Slot, but travels with several injury concerns.
Key absences include Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak, and Conor Bradley. The Reds will rely on their attacking stars like Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai to secure an away advantage.
Match Summary
- Result: Galatasaray 1–0 Liverpool
- Goalscorer: Mario Lemina (8′)
- Key Moments of the Match:
- Victor Osimhen had a second-half goal disallowed for a controversial offside call.
- Ibrahima Konaté thought he had equalized for Liverpool in the 70th minute, but the goal was ruled out for handball after a VAR review.
- Liverpool’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, starting in place of the injured Alisson Becker, made several key saves to keep the deficit at one.
- Galatasaray defender Davinson Sánchez received a yellow card and will be suspended for the return leg.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool Match Preview, Date, Time, Predictions, and More
This first leg promises an electric atmosphere as Galatasaray look to repeat their earlier league-phase victory over Liverpool.
The Turkish side will defend deep and hit on the counter, while Liverpool aims to control possession and exploit spaces. Expect a passionate, high-intensity night where the home support could prove decisive.
Team News and Analysis
Galatasaray
- Almost fully fit. Only reserve goalkeeper Enes Büyük is unavailable.
- Victor Osimhen leads the line, supported by Barış Alper Yılmaz and Noa Lang.
- Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina provide midfield steel.
Liverpool
- Out: Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo.
- Giorgi Mamardashvili starts in goal.
- Arne Slot will likely go with a strong attacking lineup featuring Salah, Szoboszlai, and Hugo Ekitike (or Cody Gakpo).
Head-to-Head Record Statistics
Galatasaray won the only previous meeting this season (1-0 in September 2025). Historically, Liverpool has the edge, but RAMS Park has been a fortress for the Turkish side.
| Stat | Galatasaray | Liverpool |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 2 | 1 |
| Draws | 2 | 2 |
| Goals Scored | 7 | 6 |
Most Recent Result
| Date | Competition | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 30, 2025 | UCL League Phase | Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool | RAMS Park |
Galatasaray vs Liverpool Starting XI Lineups
- Galatasaray (4-2-3-1) Starting XI vs Liverpool: Çakır; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakcı, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Yılmaz, Sara, Lang; Osimhen.
- Out: N/A
- Doubtful: N/A
- Suspension: N/A
- Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Starting XI vs Galatasaray: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
- Out: Leoni, Bradley, Endo, Bajcetic, Isak
- Doubtful: Danns
- Suspension: N/A
Galatasaray Key Players
- Victor Osimhen (Forward) – goal machine
- Barış Alper Yılmaz (Forward/Winger)
- Gabriel Sara (Midfielder)
- Uğurcan Çakır (Goalkeeper)
Liverpool Key Players
- Mohamed Salah (Forward) – ever-dangerous
- Virgil van Dijk (Defender) – defensive leader
- Dominik Szoboszlai (Midfielder)
- Giorgi Mamardashvili (Goalkeeper)
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
Liverpool are slight favorites overall due to squad quality, but Galatasaray’s home record makes this very difficult. Expect a narrow away win or a draw. Both teams to score is likely.
- Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Where to Watch Galatasaray vs Liverpool
- USA: Paramount+ and CBS Sports (check local listings).
- UK: TNT Sports.
- Turkey: beIN Sports.
- Global streaming: UEFA.tv or DAZN in select regions. Highlights will be available on UEFA’s official YouTube channel and club platforms shortly after full-time.
