Liverpool suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Victor Osimhen’s 16th-minute penalty sealing victory for the Turkish champions.
The defeat marks back-to-back losses for Arne Slot’s side, who were also beaten at Crystal Palace on Saturday. While late winners had previously masked an unsteady start to the season following a major squad overhaul, Tuesday’s performance highlighted deeper concerns.
Slot made four changes to his starting lineup, leaving Mohamed Salah and record signing Alexander Isak on the bench. However, his decision to deploy Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back proved costly, as a foul by the midfielder allowed Galatasaray the penalty that Osimhen calmly converted.
Liverpool had chances before the setback, with Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo both coming close. Yet, defensive lapses and poor finishing left the Reds frustrated. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker kept the scoreline respectable with key saves but was forced off injured in the second half, replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Despite the introduction of Salah and Isak, Liverpool lacked cutting edge, with a potential penalty late in the match overturned after a VAR review. Galatasaray nearly doubled their lead in stoppage time through Lucas Torreira, who fired narrowly wide.
Speaking after the defeat, Slot said: “Again, disappointment because you lose and football is about winning, but for me this was a different performance. The margins were very small last season but then we were a lot of times on the right side of the score. Today again the margins were really small, but for the second time in a row on the wrong side.”
Liverpool now sit 16th in the Champions League standings, level on three points with Galatasaray after two matches.
What you should know
Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s star striker, continues to shine on the European stage.
Known for his speed, strength, and clinical finishing, he is one of Africa’s most valuable footballers and a key figure for both club and country.
