Osimhen's Penalty Strike Sends Liverpool Crashing to Back-to-Back Defeats Against Galatasaray

Liverpool suffered consecutive losses under Arne Slot for only the second occasion, as Galatasaray secured a well-earned 1–0 triumph in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The Reds' last appearance at RAMS Park was in 2006, and this squad of players certainly understood what awaited them from the passionate home supporters in Istanbul, who were determined to drive Galatasaray to their first home win in this tournament since defeating Lokomotiv Moscow 3–0 in 2018.

The intensity from the crowd was mirrored on the pitch during the early moments, but Gala's initial vigor was met by some Liverpool responses. The Reds found success penetrating behind the hosts' defensive line through aerial passes and intricate passing combinations, yet couldn't provide the decisive final touch.

Cody Gakpo saw his knee-high attempt cleared from the goal line by Ismail Jakobs after Hugo Ekitiké couldn't get around advancing keeper Uğurcan Çakır.

Liverpool appeared to have found their rhythm, but were then caught off guard when Clément Turpin awarded a penalty to the home team. Barış Alper Yılmaz was struck by Dominik Szoboszlai's wayward arm, and Victor Osimhen converted past Alisson from the penalty mark.

Following the blow, the away side continued to create opportunities in the immediate aftermath, but then Galatasaray began to understand Liverpool's approach and started pressuring the Reds in possession. An increased level of intensity disrupted Arne Slot's team, who fell victim to several turnovers near the conclusion of the opening period. Their sudden carelessness was highlighted by Ryan Gravenberch surrendering possession at the edge of Liverpool's area and then conceding a threatening set piece just before the interval. However, nothing materialized from it.

Liverpool had previously triumphed in only two of their 20 prior Champions League road matches when behind at the break, but Slot had some strategies prepared in Istanbul.

Before those tactical changes were implemented, the Reds nearly fell further behind as their possession problems continued into the second period. Mistakes from Curtis Jones and Ibrahima Konaté presented Osimhen with two clear chances, but Jones made up for his error with an outstanding recovery tackle, while Alisson rescued Konaté with a fine one-on-one save.

Reinforcements were then summoned, with Slot bringing on Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah in an attempt to change the momentum. The Swedish striker nearly found the target immediately after breaking through, but there was no significant improvement following Slot's changes.

Both sides then drifted through the match, which favored the hosts, as they waited for Liverpool to break them down. It wasn't until the final moments that they managed to apply sustained pressure, with the video assistant referee (VAR) stepping in to reverse an incorrect Turpin penalty call.

That potential opportunity proved to be the final chance for the visitors, as they were held off by a determined Galatasaray team that defended resolutely. Liverpool fans await encouraging updates regarding the conditions of Ekitiké and Alisson after both were substituted in the second half with apparent injuries.

Liverpool player ratings below.

Liverpool Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Freddie Woodman (GK), Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Rio Ngumoha.

Player of the Match: Uğurcan Çakır

Liverpool Player of the Match: Ibrahima Konaté

Galatasaray (4-2-3-1): Uğurcan Çakır; Wilfried Singo, Davinson Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Ismail Jakobs; Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina; Yunus Akgün, İlkay Gündoğan, Barış Alper Yılmaz; Victor Osimgen.

Subs: Rolland Sallai, Gabriel Sara, Mauro Icardi, Evren Eren Elmali