UCL Preview: Liverpool chase first-ever away win over Galatasaray
Six-time European champions Liverpool will be aiming to secure their first victory away to Galatasaray S.K. when the two sides meet at the intimidating Rams Park in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Liverpool head into the clash looking to end a three-game winless away run against the Turkish champions in the competition. Their most recent meeting came earlier in the league phase of this season’s Champions League, where Galatasaray secured a narrow 1–0 victory in Istanbul.
The Reds have historically struggled on Galatasaray’s turf. Their last trip before this season came in 2006, ending in a 3–2 defeat, while their best result in Istanbul remains a draw recorded 24 years ago. Those results underline the difficulty of playing in one of Europe’s most hostile atmospheres.
Galatasaray has always been a difficult opponent for Liverpool who have lost just once to the English side. This defeat came in 2006 in the group stage. In their five meetings prior, Liverpool have won once and lost twice and two games ending in stalemates.
Despite that defeat earlier in the campaign, Liverpool recovered well to finish fourth in the league phase, sealing automatic qualification to the Round of 16.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, had to take the longer route after the league phase, progressing through the playoffs where they eliminated Juventus to set up another meeting with the English Champions.
The Turkish champions possess serious attacking threats and will look to them once again. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen leads the line, supported by Germany international Leroy Sané and Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara as Galatasaray aim to capitalize on home advantage once more.
Liverpool, however, boast plenty of quality across the pitch. Egyptian star Mohamed Salah remains their main attacking weapon alongside forward Hugo Ekitike. In midfield, the creativity of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister could prove decisive, while the defensive pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will be tasked with keeping Galatasaray’s attack quiet.
With a place in the quarterfinals at stake, Liverpool will be eager to finally break their Istanbul hoodoo, but overcoming Galatasaray at a packed Rams Park remains one of the toughest assignments in European football.