An early goal, a disallowed strike and VAR drama: Liverpool leave Istanbul in trouble | OneFootball

Shock in Istanbul as Liverpool fall in Champions League last-16 first leg

An early goal, a disallowed strike and VAR drama: Liverpool leave Istanbul in trouble

Galatasaray earned a big home win over Liverpool on Tuesday 10 March beating the English side 1-0 in first leg of Champions League round of 16 at RAMS Park in Istanbul.

The only goal came in the 7th minute when Mario Lemina scored after move involving Victor Osimhen giving the Turkish side early lead they protected until the end.

The result gives Galatasaray advantage before the return leg at Anfield.

Liverpool started with good energy but they could not keep control of the game. Galatasaray looked more dangerous for long spells and created the clearer chances.

The home side thought they had a second goal in the 62 minute through Osimhen but that moment did not stand.

Liverpool then believed they had found equaliser in the 70th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out after a long VAR check for handball in the build-up.

That decision kept Galatasaray in front and added more tension to a very intense night.

Liverpool struggle, Galatasaray stay strong

The match also showed Liverpool’s attacking problems on the night. Mohamed Salah was taken off in second half, with Jeremie Frimpong coming on in the 60th minute as Arne Slot searched for a reaction.

Virgil van Dijk was booked in the 55th minute while Milos Kerkez had already gone into the book earlier in the game. Liverpool pushed late on but Galatasaray stayed organised and held on for the clean sheet.

For Galatasaray, this was another strong European result at home. The Turkish side now travel to England with a narrow lead and real belief.

Liverpool meanwhile will need a much better display in second leg if they want to keep their Champions League run alive. The tie is still open but the pressure is now clearly on the Premier League side.

This was not the first time Galatasaray caused Liverpool problems this season. The two teams had already met earlier in the campaign, and the Istanbul side once again made home advantage count.