Liverpool face uphill task after Galatasaray take first-leg lead

March 11, 2026 Oliver Obel

Liverpool will head back to Anfield needing a response after falling to a 1–0 defeat against Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie in Istanbul.

An early header from Mario Lemina proved enough to give the Turkish side a narrow advantage at Rams Park, where Liverpool struggled to impose themselves despite creating several promising moments.

Arne Slot’s team had reached the knockout stage after finishing second in the league phase of the competition. Galatasaray, meanwhile, booked their place in the last 16 after overcoming Juventus across two playoff matches.

Early corner punishes Liverpool

Galatasaray capitalised on a defensive lapse just seven minutes into the match. Liverpool failed to deal with a corner delivery, allowing Lemina to rise in the penalty area and guide a close-range header into the net.

The goal lifted the home crowd and set the tone for a tense evening in Istanbul, with Liverpool forced to chase the game for long stretches.

The teams had already met earlier in the competition, when Victor Osimhen’s 16th-minute penalty proved decisive in a tight encounter between the sides.

VAR Decisions Deny Both Teams

The second half produced two moments of controversy as both sides saw potential goals ruled out.

Osimhen appeared to have doubled Galatasaray’s lead when he finished from close range, but the striker was judged to be offside during the build-up. Liverpool later thought they had equalised following a crowded goalmouth scramble, only for officials to rule that Ibrahima Konate had handled the ball before it crossed the line.

With neither decision overturned, Lemina’s early strike remained the defining moment of the match.

Wirtz Struggles to Influence Game

Florian Wirtz endured a frustrating evening in attack. The German international found space in several dangerous areas during the opening stages but was unable to convert his chances.

Data from SofaScore reflects the difficult outing. Wirtz attempted three shots and missed one clear opportunity before being substituted in the 72nd minute. He completed 71 percent of his 28 passes and lost possession 14 times, finishing with a 6.3 match rating — the lowest recorded by any player on the pitch.

Supporters Voice Frustration Online

Liverpool supporters reacting on social media were critical of the midfielder’s display, with several describing the performance as “shocking” and others calling it his “worst game in a red shirt.”

One supporter wrote:
"I know every Liverpool fan has been feeling this deep down. Wirtz is the biggest waste of money ever. There’s no other way to put it. There’s no conviction in his game whatsoever."

Another commented:
"Wirtz is not good enough for Liverpool, the whole midfield needs ripping out, oh I forgot we gave one of them 280k week until 2031."

Liverpool will now attempt to overturn the deficit when the two teams meet again in the return leg at Anfield.

Sources: SofaScore data, match coverage and social media reactions.