(Video) Early blow for Liverpool: Mario Lemina goal gives hosts 1-0 half-time lead | OneFootball

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Hosts lead 1-0 at half-time in Istanbul

(Video) Early blow for Liverpool: Mario Lemina goal gives hosts 1-0 half-time lead

Galatasaray went into half time 1-0 up against Liverpool after Mario Lemina struck early in first leg in Istanbul.

Lemina gives Galatasaray the edge

Galatasaray made the stronger move on the scoreboard in first half, taking a 1-0 lead through Mario Lemina in the 7th minute.

The goal came from a corner after Victor Osimhen won the first ball and Lemina finished from close range giving the home side early advantage in a loud and hostile atmosphere at Rams Park.

Liverpool started with energy and tried to push forward early through Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai & Florian Wirtz,but they could not make that opening spell count.

After the goal Galatasaray grew into the match and looked more dangerous especially from set-pieces and quick attacks into the channels.

Galatasaray carry more threat

As the half went on, the Turkish side continued to trouble Liverpool’s defence. Noa Lang, Gabriel Sara & Osimhen all helped stretch the visitors while Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was forced into important saves to keep the score at one.

Galatasaray also kept winning corners and second balls which increased the pressure on Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool still had moments of possession and managed a few efforts of their own but their attacks lacked the final touch. The away side struggled to turn the ball into clear chances while Ibrahima Konate and the back line looked shaky during several dangerous Galatasaray moves.

First-Half numbers

Live match data around the break showed a close game in possession, with Liverpool on 52% and Galatasaray on 48%.

Liverpool had 6 shot to Galatasaray’s 4 while both sides had 2 shots on target at that stage. Galatasaray also led the corner count 4-0 which matched the pressure they created from wide areas and dead-ball situations.