Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool – Alisson Man of the Match Despite Injury | OneFootball

Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool – Champions League Man of the Match

Alisson Becker – Liverpool FC

On a night when Liverpool were undone in the cauldron of Istanbul, it was their Brazilian number one who again emerged as the side’s most reliable performer. Even though Alisson Becker was forced off with an injury just before the hour mark, his contribution in the opening exchanges kept the Reds within touching distance and spared them from what could have been a far heavier defeat.

The game began in hostile circumstances, with Galatasaray buoyed by their passionate support and Liverpool looking unsettled after their weekend setback at Selhurst Park. In those moments, it was Alisson who provided calm amid the storm. His sharp early stop in a one-on-one situation denied the Turkish champions an opener and set the tone for yet another display of world-class goalkeeping.

Liverpool’s defence was anything but assured, with Ibrahima Konaté in particular struggling against the physicality and movement of the Galatasaray forwards. As gaps appeared, Alisson was called upon time and again to sweep up danger and command his penalty area. The decisive moment, however, came midway through the first half when Galatasaray were awarded a penalty. On this occasion, the Brazilian was sent the wrong way, leaving his side chasing the game from the 22nd minute onward.

Even after falling behind, Alisson refused to allow the contest to slip away. His reflex save from a fierce drive just before half-time kept Liverpool in the hunt, while his quick distribution offered brief moments of respite for a side otherwise lacking rhythm. After the interval, the Reds briefly looked capable of finding an equaliser, but their reliance on their goalkeeper remained.

The injury, sustained in the 55th minute after a smart piece of goalkeeping, was a cruel blow. Giorgi Mamardashvili replaced him between the posts, but there was little doubting who Liverpool’s standout player was on the night. That Alisson’s shorter shift still elevated him above his teammates says much about both his quality and the team’s wider struggles in Istanbul.

For Arne Slot, the concern now shifts to the severity of Alisson’s injury. With a daunting trip to Chelsea looming at the weekend, the last thing Liverpool can afford is an extended absence for their most reliable performer.

But on this occasion, in a match where few in red emerged with credit, Alisson Becker once again proved why he is widely considered the finest goalkeeper in world football.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Galatasaray 1 – 2 Liverpool