Liverpool face ultimate test of character against Galatasaray | OneFootball

Liverpool visit Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday knowing they cannot afford another setback.

The 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace over the weekend was a jolt to Arne Slot’s side, and it underlined defensive flaws that have been simmering all season.

Conceding big chances with ease has become a theme, and it cost them dearly at Selhurst Park.

The focus now switches to Galatasaray, a side still reeling from a 5-1 thrashing against Eintracht Frankfurt in their league stage opener.

Facing a wounded team at home, backed by one of the most hostile atmospheres in European football, is not to be taken lightly.

Slot knows the urgency of the situation. Liverpool cannot allow their Champions League ambitions to be derailed by back-to-back poor results.

A strong start against Atletico Madrid has given them breathing room, but failing in Istanbul would drag them back into the pack.

Complicating matters further isFederico Chiesa’s absence. The Italian has been Liverpool’s most dynamic attacker in recent weeks, but has not been included in the squad.

That leaves others with the responsibility to step up. Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai remain central to Liverpool’s attacking output, while Hugo Ekitike is available again after suspension.

Galatasaray will take encouragement from their ability to score, especially at home. They have scored at least twice in nine of their last 11 European fixtures in Istanbul.

With Victor Osimhen, Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane in their line-up, the Turkish champions will fancy their chances of unsettling Liverpool’s uncertain defence.

Slot has pushed back on the idea of panic, pointing to the context of red cards and concentration when explaining recent setbacks.

But context does not win games, and Liverpool’s back line has looked far from assured even at full strength. The margin for error is shrinking.

Anything less than a controlled, clinical performance could see the league stage slip into chaos.