By Chalien Dantes

Arne Slot’s 100th match in charge of Liverpool ended in disappointment as his side fell 1-0 to Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash. 

It was an all too familiar result for the visitors. Liverpool had already lost by the same score in Istanbul during the league phase back in September, and this time they again struggled to cope with the Turkish side’s intensity.

The decisive moment came from a corner when Victor Osimhen, who also scored in the earlier meeting, delivered a perfect setup for Mario Lemina to fire Galatasaray in front. The home side could easily have stretched their lead. Osimhen thought he had added another goal in the second half, but Liverpool were spared after VAR ruled Aydin Yilmaz offside during the buildup, despite the forward not touching the ball.

Liverpool rarely looked dangerous going forward. When chances did appear, they were wasted. Hugo Ekitike struck straight at goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, while Florian Wirtz struggled to make an impact in his first start since mid-February. Alexis Mac Allister also came close but sent his effort just wide.

Defensive errors and a lack of sharpness proved costly for the visitors, who now head back to Anfield with a deficit to overturn in next week’s second leg. It also marks the first time Liverpool have lost twice away to the same opponent in a single European campaign.

The only time the ball did end up in Galatasaray’s net, VAR stepped in to rule it out for a handball by Ibrahima Konate, leaving Liverpool with plenty of work to do in the return fixture on Merseyside.