Player Ratings: Liverpool Beaten by Galatasaray in Champions League Clash

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·30 September 2025

Player Ratings: Liverpool Beaten by Galatasaray in Champions League Clash

Galatasaray Edge Liverpool in Tense Champions League Clash

Galatasaray claimed a significant 1-0 victory over Liverpool in Istanbul, a result that reshapes Group F and leaves the Premier League champions with work to do in Europe. The Turkish giants thrived under the bright lights, delivering a disciplined performance that frustrated the visitors and brought the Nef Stadium to life.

Missed Opportunities Cost Liverpool Dearly

The match began at a frenetic pace as Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz tore down the left in the second minute to test Alisson Becker in a one-on-one situation. The Brazilian goalkeeper made an excellent save to deny the early breakthrough.

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Liverpool’s brightest spell came midway through the first half. Florian Wirtz was denied by an outstanding stop from Ugurcan Cakir, and from the resulting corner Milos Kerkez saw a couple of scrambled attempts blocked before Ibrahima Konate sent a header narrowly wide. Despite that pressure, it was Galatasaray who went ahead and held their lead until half-time.

Photo: IMAGO

The second half was just as intense. Hugo Ekitike almost levelled with a deft back-heel after good work by Jeremie Frimpong, only for Cakir to intervene again. Late drama unfolded when Liverpool were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute after Konate was brought down, but following a swift VAR review the decision was overturned, leaving Arne Slot’s side furious.

Despite heavy late pressure, Liverpool failed to find an equaliser and left Istanbul empty-handed.

Galatasaray’s Midfield Steel and Osimhen’s Decisive Finish

The home side’s success stemmed from their compact defending and midfield intensity. Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina pressed relentlessly, disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm, while Ilkay Gundogan orchestrated the tempo with intelligence and composure. Yilmaz was a menace down the flank, combining blistering pace with physical strength that unsettled Dominik Szoboszlai all evening.

Victor Osimhen, who coolly converted the decisive penalty, was a constant threat to Liverpool’s back line. His movement created space for others and his direct running gave Konate a torrid evening.

Player Ratings Galatasaray vs Liverpool

Galatasaray

Ugurcan Cakir (GK) 8 – Produced vital saves to keep Liverpool out and was key to the win.
Wilfried Singo (RB) 7 – Handled Gakpo with authority and stayed strong defensively.
Abdulkerim Bardakci (CB) 7 – Reliable and solid, rarely flustered under pressure.
Davinson Sanchez (CB) 7 – Matched Bardakci’s composure, defended aerially with strength.
Ismail Jakobs (LB) 7 – Worked tirelessly on the left, denied Frimpong and offered intensity.
Lucas Torreira (CM) 8 – A tireless engine in midfield, his pressing disrupted Liverpool’s flow.
Mario Lemina (CM) 7 – Produced several important blocks and recoveries.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM) 7 – Controlled possession and created Yilmaz’s early chance.
Yunus Akgun (RW) 6 – Industrious but lacked end product.
Victor Osimhen (ST) 8 – Scored the winning penalty, a constant handful for Liverpool’s defence.
Baris Alper Yilmaz (LW) 8 – Outstanding down the flank, combined pace and power superbly.
Roland Sallai (SUB) 6 – Little impact after coming on.
Mauro Icardi (SUB) 6 – Did not influence proceedings.
Gabriel Sara (SUB) 6 – Introduced late with minimal involvement.
Evren Eren Elmali (SUB) 6 – Too little time to change the match.
Manager Okan Buruk 8 – Set up his team smartly and oversaw a disciplined display.

Liverpool

Alisson Becker (GK) 7 – Made two crucial early saves before being forced off injured.
Dominik Szoboszlai (RB) 5 – Struggled badly against Yilmaz and conceded the penalty.
Ibrahima Konate (CB) 5 – Looked uncomfortable in possession and was troubled by Osimhen.
Virgil van Dijk (CB) 7 – Composed after a shaky start, kept Liverpool in contention.
Milos Kerkez (LB) 6 – Defended well but offered little going forward.
Ryan Gravenberch (CM) 6 – Safe in possession but lacked drive and intensity.
Curtis Jones (CM) 6 – Industrious but struggled to stamp authority.
Florian Wirtz (AM) 5 – A frustrating night, unable to unlock the Galatasaray defence.
Jeremie Frimpong (RW) 6 – Worked hard yet failed to deliver telling crosses.
Hugo Ekitike (ST) 6 – Stretched the defence with his pace but lacked service.
Cody Gakpo (LW) 6 – Bright start faded as Singo shut him out.
Giorgi Mamardashvili (SUB) 6 – Little to do after replacing Alisson.
Alexander Isak (SUB) 5 – Struggled to get involved despite half an hour on the pitch.
Mohamed Salah (SUB) 5 – Surprisingly ineffective from the bench.
Conor Bradley (SUB) 6 – Provided energy without real impact.
Alexis Mac Allister (SUB) 6 – Brought some composure but was sloppy at times.
Manager Arne Slot 6 – His side played with intensity but lacked clinical finishing.

European Stakes Remain High

This victory lifts Galatasaray’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages and highlights their defensive resilience. For Liverpool, now under Arne Slot’s guidance after last season’s title-winning campaign, the loss serves as a warning that European nights demand ruthless efficiency.