Salah Sets Sights on Champions League Record That Would Eclipse Carragher's Legacy
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has the opportunity to make club and Champions League history on Tuesday evening when facing Galatasaray.
The 33-year-old needs just one more goal to become the first African footballer to score 50 times in Europe's top club tournament. Despite his challenging campaign this season, Salah will fancy his chances against Galatasaray's vulnerable backline, particularly as he enters the opening leg of this round of 16 clash having netted twice in his previous two outings.
The historical significance wouldn't end there. Salah is poised to surpass Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher as the club's all-time Champions League appearance leader. The Egyptian star currently matches the former center-back with 80 appearances, and provided he takes the field under the floodlights at RAMS Park, he will claim sole ownership of this Reds milestone.
Naturally, Salah's primary focus will be on helping his side claim victory in this crucial encounter, but overtaking such an outspoken critic would certainly add extra satisfaction should Arne Slot's squad deliver in Turkey—something they couldn't accomplish during the group stage.
Salah Faces Competition From Young Talent
Salah Faces Competition From Young Talent
Despite all the silverware and milestones Salah has accumulated during his illustrious stint in Liverpool colors, the attacker has faced criticism in 2025–26 for his conduct both during matches and away from the field. The current PFA Player of the Year experienced a public disagreement with the club and Slot in December, expressing his displeasure at being omitted from the starting lineup for several consecutive games.
Salah and the Dutch manager eventually settled their differences and the Egyptian reclaimed his position on the right flank, but he continued to struggle for form—partly explaining why Slot had dropped him initially.
Mohamed Salah – Performance Overview in 2025–26
Mohamed Salah – Performance Overview in 2025–26
Salah hasn't even reached double figures in goals by March, a milestone that previously seemed routine for the winger. After all, his poorest return in Liverpool colors occurred in 2019–20, yet he still managed to score 23 times.
This campaign, however, Salah has struggled to dominate Liverpool's fixtures, playing a role in the team's disappointing Premier League title defense. Adding to the Egyptian's concerns, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha has impressed Slot, who recently suggested the dynamic winger would see increased playing time ahead.
Slot's endorsement of Ngumoha carries an implicit message for Salah—Liverpool's emerging talents are ready, and the club may eventually prioritize the upcoming generation over its established star, who remains subject to transfer speculation away from Merseyside.
Slot Also Approaches Personal Milestone at RAMS Park
Slot Also Approaches Personal Milestone at RAMS Park
While Salah pursues his own piece of history, his coach will also reach a personal landmark on Tuesday evening. Slot is preparing for his 100th match in charge when Liverpool takes on Galatasaray.
The 47-year-old secured victory in 62 of his initial 99 games with the club during a period highlighted by the Premier League championship he delivered to Anfield in his inaugural season as manager. Slot's second campaign in the hot seat has been more disappointing, though the Reds remain competitive in both the Champions League and FA Cup.
"It fills me with great pride that I became Liverpool's manager and that this will be my 100th match," Slot commented before Liverpool's European fixture. "I believe my record isn't poor, though sometimes you might think otherwise if you pay attention to all the commentary!
"It's wonderful that the 100th game is such an exciting fixture to play in the Champions League, round of 16, away at Galatasaray. But, as always, it's never about the manager—it's about the squad. I'll try to prepare them just as thoroughly as in the previous 99 games, but it's the players who must deliver.
"I've been fortunate to inherit an excellent team last season and this season, and I have complete confidence that these players will perform at the standards expected of a Liverpool side."