Liverpool sank to back-to-back defeats under Arne Slot for just the second time, as Galatasaray earned a deserved 1–0 victory in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Reds last visited RAMS Park in 2006, and this group of players surely knew what to expect from the home faithful in Istanbul, who were aiming to inspire Galatasaray to their first home victory in this competition since they beat Lokomotiv Moscow 3–0 in 2018.
The fervency from the stands was reflected on the field in the opening stages, but Gala’s early enthusiasm was countered by some Liverpool jabs. The Reds had success at getting in behind the hosts’ backline via long balls and up-back-and-through passing sequences, but failed to find a finishing touch.
Cody Gakpo had a kneed effort cleared off the line by Ismail Jakobs after Hugo Ekitiké failed to round onrushing goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır.
Liverpool may have settled nicely, but they were then stung by Clément Turpin pointing to the penalty spot in favour of the home side. Barış Alper Yılmaz was caught by Dominik Szoboszlai’s flailing arm, and Victor Osimhen bested Alisson from 12 yards.
Despite the setback, the visitors continued to have joy in the aftermath, but then Galatasaray got to grips with Liverpool’s build-up and started to trap the Reds in possession. Another uptick in aggression stifled Arne Slot’s men, who succumbed to multiple giveaways towards the end of the first half. Their sudden sloppiness was epitomised by Ryan Gravenberch losing the ball on the edge of the Liverpool box and subsequently giving away a dangerous free-kick on the cusp of half-time. Nothing came of it, however.
