Liverpool suffered a second consecutive defeat as Galatasaray secured Champions League victory in front of a raucous home crowd in Istanbul.
Victor Osimhen slotted home from the penalty spot 15 minutes in after makeshift right-back Dominik Szoboszlai had felled Baris Alper Yilmez, and the early strike proved the only goal of the game with the Turkish side successfully frustrating Liverpool. Arne Slot turned to Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak off the bench in search of a goal but the pair were unable to breakdown a well-organised defence, raising more concerns about Liverpool’s lack of attacking threat in the opening portion of the season. It looked like they had the chance to snatch a draw from 12 yards themselves, but a foul on Ibrahima Konate was overturned by the video assistant referee in the final couple of minutes.
It is just the second time Liverpool have suffered back-to-back losses since the Dutchman’s arrival, while to add to Slot’s frets after a league defeat to Crystal Palace, he saw both goalkeeper Alisson and forward Hugo Ekitike depart due to injury. With Chelsea next up domestically on Saturday evening, a tricky week for the defending Premier League champions continues.
Follow all of the latest in our live blog below:
Galatasaray vs Liverpool LIVE
- The Arne Slot gambles that backfired in Liverpool’s disjointed defeat to Galatasaray
- 88' PENALTY OVERTURNED! VAR reviews denies Reds late penalty [GAL 1-0 LIV]
- 54' CLOSE! Alisson saves well from Osimhen's one-v-one [GAL 1-0 LIV]
- 49' CLOSE! Cakir saves from close-range Ekitike flick [GAL 1-0 LIV]
- 16' GOAL! Osimhen opens the scoring from the spot [GAL 1-0 LIV]
- 3' SAVE! Alisson makes early save after Yilmaz went one-v-one [GAL 0-0 LIV]
The Arne Slot gambles that backfired in Liverpool’s disjointed defeat to Galatasaray
Tuesday 30 September 2025 22:18 , Richard Jolly at Rams Park:Here's the report from Richard Jolly at Rams Park:
Liverpool will always have fond memories of Istanbul. Just not this particular trip to Istanbul. As they suffered back-to-back defeats for only the second time under Arne Slot, they felt battered as well as beaten by Galatasaray.
In the most intimidating of environments, even Slot’s sure touch deserted him. There have been times when his decision-making has seemed impeccable but attempts to rest and rotate saw Liverpool looking disjointed and disorganised.
He had a star-studded bench but, while Alexander Isak’s presence there was anticipated, the surprise gambit of omitting Mohamed Salahbackfired. So, too, the choice of Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back. Tormented by Baris Yilmaz, he conceded the decisive penalty Victor Osimhen converted. Meanwhile, it felt a vote of no confidence in Jeremie Frimpong, an actual right-back, that he was Salah’s stand-in on the wing. The Dutchman almost set up a goal, but for Galatasaray.
The Arne Slot gambles that backfired in Liverpool’s disjointed defeat to Galatasaray
Tomorrow's fixtures
Tuesday 30 September 2025 23:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s what tomorrow has in store in the Champions League, with some huge ties here:
Union SG vs Newcastle
Qarabag vs Copenhagen
Barcelona vs PSG
AS Monaco vs Man City
Arsenal vs Olympiacos
Bayer Leverkusen vs PSV
Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao
Napoli vs Sporting CP
Villarreal vs Juventus
Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool ‘shouldn’t panic’ despite Galatasaray defeat
Tuesday 30 September 2025 23:22 , Chris WilsonLiverpool manager Arne Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk have urged for calm and patience as the team continues to gel after the Reds’ loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The Reds produced a disjointed performance in both attack and defence as they slipped to consecutive losses for just the second time in Slot’s tenure, with the defeat meaning they sit 16th in the league phase table with several clubs still to play a second match.
Both Slot and van Dijk were questioned on whether the team was showing the same level of composure and authority as last season, with the manager suggesting that he thinks his side are “not so far” away from the level shown in matches last term.
Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool ‘shouldn’t panic’ despite Galatasaray defeat
Arne Slot rules Alisson out of Chelsea clash as Liverpool suffer double injury blow
Tuesday 30 September 2025 23:10 , Chris WilsonArne Slot has ruled goalkeeper Alisson out of Liverpool’s Premier Leagueclash with Chelsea after a damaging defeat to Galatasaray dealt the club a double injury blow.
The Brazilian shot-stopper was forced off early in the second half in Istanbul after making a save from Victor Osimhen, who had earlier scored what proved to be the winner from the penalty spot with the visitors drawing a blank in front of goal.
Slot was later forced to replace forward Hugo Ekitike, returning from suspension, after the Frenchman appeared to over-extend himself stretching for a ball.
Arne Slot rules Alisson out of Chelsea clash as Liverpool suffer double injury blow
Champions League results
Tuesday 30 September 2025 23:05 , Chris WilsonHere are the full results from tonight then:
Atalanta 2-1 Club Brugge
Kairat 0-5 Real Madrid
Atletico 5-1 Frankfurt
Bodo/Glimt 2-2 Tottenham
Chelsea 1-0 Benfica
Inter Milan 3-0 Slavia Praha
Marseille 4-0 Ajax
Pafos 1-5 Bayern Munich
Van Dijk: Performance 'a bit sloppy'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 22:55 , Chris Wilson"It is difficult to say at the moment [if Galatasaray deserved the win],” says Virgil van Dijk.
“They got the penalty and opportunities through our mistakes. A bit sloppy,” he adds.
"We took the risk in posession and tried to find the spare man in midfield.That comes with risk. We broke through to the last line many times and we maybe have to do better there. In those moments, we made the wrong decisisions, they break on us and become dangerous.
"Losing is bad, these two games don't feel nice. I have been in the game a long time, it's about working and keeping your head down."
"I think we have showed it [authority] already in many games this season but we haven't shown it for the full 90 minutes yet unfortunately. It is absolutely normal and nowadays you don't get the time from the outside world so you have to be strong mentally.
"I am very confident, we have to keep working and sticking together. We had a good start this year in terms of points tally.
"There shouldn't be panic, but improvement is needed,” he adds as he finishes.
Slot: 'We are not so far off'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 22:40 , Chris Wilson"Again, disappointed. For me, this was a different performance on and off the ball [than Crystal Palace],” says Arne Slot.
“First half we played quite well and had a big chance to go 1-0 up.
"It is difficult to compare this situation to before. We are sometimes a bit out-smarted in situations like this and I cannot blame Dominik Szoboszlai for the situation. They make a 20 per cent penalty a 100 per cent penalty, which is very smart from them.
"We are not so far [off the level shown last season]. This is sometimes what the schedule can bring, Galatasaray is not a simple game. We now play Chelsea away, a difficult game.
"The margains are small and they were last season. For the second time in a row we are on the wrong side.
"I saw a lot of things in the first half, but the second half was much less. I don't think in the second half there was a lot of playing time, their striker was on the floor four or five times. It was difficult to get momentum in the game," he adds.
FULL-TIME! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 22:13 , Chris WilsonSome reaction from Richard Jolly at Rams Park:
“Galatasaray deserved that. So did Liverpool. Not good enough and they have sufered back-to-back defeats for only the second time under Slot. Can Chelsea make it three in a row?”
FULL-TIME! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 22:10 , Chris WilsonA historic night for Galatasaray, but a worrying one for Liverpool and Arne Slot.
It was a performance full of errors for the visitors, and while they had some promising openings in attack, their defending was suspect at times at Rams Park.
FULL-TIME! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 22:07 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 22:01 , Chris WilsonThat’s it! Turpin blows the final whistle and Galatasaray have a famous home win over the Premier League champions!
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 22:00 , Chris Wilson90 +8 mins
Into the final minute of added time but the ball into the box is headed away.
Szobozlai has another chance to deliver..but it’s headed away too! Surely that will be that...
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:59 , Chris Wilson90 +6 mins
Time is running out for the visitors! Plenty of jeers as the home fans beg for the final whistle.
Liverpool on the attack though as we reach the final minute, with Sanchez and Lemina going down and requesting treatment.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:57 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
Nearly an opening for the hosts after a mistake from van Dijk, but it ends with a Galatasaray corner.
Lemina delivers a cross that is headed back to Torreira on the edge of the box, and the Uruguayan’s effort flies narrowly wide of the target.
At the other end, Mac Allister puts a little too much on the through ball meant for Salah.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:55 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
The visitors win a corner and it comes out to Mac Allister on the edge of the box, but his curling effort flies wide!
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:54 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Eight minutes of added time as the referee produces a flurry of bookings.
Wirtz and Cakır are the latest in the book.
NO PENALTY! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:53 , Chris Wilson88 mins
The decision is reversed! It looked like a stone-wall pen at first but replays show Singo got the ball first!
PENALTY! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:51 , Chris Wilson88 mins
PENALTY! The visitors have a lifeline!
The cross comes in and Singo brings down Konate as the two contested a loose ball!
But hang on, the referee is going to the VAR screen...
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:50 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Plenty of jeers as the visitors have a period of sustained possession, and it ends with Bradley winning a corner.
Szoboszlai delivers the set-piece, but Galatadaray clear for now.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:47 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Eren Elmali comes on for Yilmaz for the hosts, shortly before they win a precious free-kick near halfway after Salah gave the ball away cheaply and Kerkez made the foul.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:46 , Chris Wilson83 mins
It’s becoming a scrappy game, which is just what the hosts want. They’re staying down at every opportunity.
Sallai does well down the right initially but eventually ends up losing the ball for a goal kick.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:43 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Icardi is the latest player in the book, for what looks like dissent.
Moments later, Mac Allister wins another free-kick near halfway and the hosts continue to dominate the ball.
Salah delivers an inviting cross but Cakir does well to come through the crowd and punch away.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:41 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Jakobs was yellow carded for dragging down Salah for that most recent free-kick.
Liverpool are starting to put the pressure on now, with Salah at the centre of a lot of it, though Szoboszlai can’t make anything of the Egpytian’s clever cutback in the box.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:39 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Nothing comes of the free-kick, not from another one from a similar position moments later. It’s not happening for the visitors at the moment.
'It feels that kind of night for Liverpool.'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:38 , Richard Jolly at Rams ParkMore from Richard Jolly at Rams Park:
“If Salah, Isak, Ekitike and Wirtz were the fantasy front four for Liverpool, they were only on the pitch together for a few minutes. Once again, it feels that kind of night for Liverpool.”
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:37 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Liverpool win a free-kick around 35 yards out for a foul on Jones.
Before it’s taken, Gundogan makes way for Gabriel Sara.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:35 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Conor Bradley is the latest player to receive a yellow, and the hosts will have a chance to swing in a free-kick from deep.
Gundogan opts to pass it though, and the chance goes begging.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:33 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Something better from Liverpool as Wirtz swings in a clever cross, but Bradley sees it late at the back post and it bobbles harmlessly wide.
The hosts make two changes, as Osimhen and Akgun come off for Mauro Icardi and Sallai.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:30 , Chris Wilson68 mins
Osimhen looks like he’ll be okay to carry on, though Ekitike is struggling a bit mor.
Arne Slot brings on Alexis Mac Allister for the Frenchman, and that’ll be Liverpool’s final sub of the day.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:28 , Chris Wilson65 mins
Another chance for the hosts as Yilmaz does brilliantly to square up the defender before laying it off to Osimhen, but the striker can’t quite get the shot away before the chance goes begging.
Osimhen is down needing treatment, as is Ekitike at the other end.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:25 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Isak has a chance with his first touch as Wirtz’s pass sends him in behind the back four, but he hits a tame effort right at Cakir.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:24 , Chris Wilson60 mins
Bardakci is the latest player booked for dragging back Wirtz.
Liverpool make three changes, with Alexander Isak, Mo Salah and Conor Bradley off for Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:20 , Chris Wilson57 mins
Alisson is unable to carry on, so he is replaced by Georgian ‘keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal.
'The night is getting worse'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:19 , Richard Jolly at Rams ParkThe latest from Richard Jolly at Rams Park:
“Alisson has been brilliant. Now he is injured. The night is getting worse for Liverpool.”
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:17 , Chris Wilson54 mins
CLOSE! Galatasaray should be two up!
It’s a basic error too, with Konate sold short on the pass as Osimhen nips in to take it away from him.
The Nigerian is 1-v-1 with Alisson but Konate is tracking back, and the striker can’t quite squeeze a low finish past the Liverpool ‘keeper.
The Brazilian is down receiving treatment now though.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:12 , Chris Wilson51 mins
Osimhen has a half-chance as the hosts nick the ball off Jones, but the Liverpool man does very well to track back and slide in to prevent the striker hitting it from just outside the box.
Osimhen is down receiving treatment.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:11 , Chris Wilson49 mins
CLOSE!
Much better from the visitors, with Wirtz sweeping it wide to Frimpong, who gets to the touchline before cutting back a cross to Ekitike, with the Frenchman producing a lovely flick that Cakır does well to save.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:09 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Almost an opening for Liverpool as Jakobs hesitates when dealing with a long ball under pressure from Frimpong, with the Galatasaray defender eventually forcing his ‘keeper into a ‘save’ of sorts as he palms away his mis-placed header.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:08 , Richard Jolly at Rams ParkRichard Jolly’s thoughts from Rams Park:
“Can Liverpool do better? They seemed rocked in the first half here, subjected to an assault on the eardrums and facing a fast and competitive Galatasaray team. No changes yet, so it remains to be seen when Slot turns to Salah and Isak.”
KICK-OFF! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:07 , Chris WilsonWe’re back underway at Rams Park! What can Liverpool produce in this second half?
HALF-TIME! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 21:02 , Chris WilsonIt’s been a poor half from Liverpool in truth, with the visitors struggling at points and looking a little weak at the back, with Osimhen causing plenty of trouble.
It’s been the same story of late for the Reds, within the attacking looking consistently dangerous but the defending shaky at times.
They have enough to test this Galatasaray defence more, but can they keep it tight at the back and avoid conceding more chances to the hosts?
HALF-TIME! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:57 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:51 , Chris Wilson45 +4 mins
Bardakci fires the free-kick into the wall and it’s Ekitike who blocks it.
There are shouts for a penalty for handball but it was never happening.
Clement Turpin blows the final whistle and we head into the break with the hosts in the lead!
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:50 , Chris Wilson45 +3 mins
A very dangerous free-kick conceded by Liverpool as they give the ball away from their own goal kick and it ends with Gravenberch forced to trip Osimhen on the edge of the box.
It’s a free-kick from around 19 yards in a central position!
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:49 , Chris Wilson45 +2 mins
Half a chance for the hosts as Yilmaz outmuscles Szoboszlai on the left before finding Osimhen, whose lay-off is eventually fired well wide.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:47 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Boos and jeers for a solid minute as Liverpool keep possession, but it ends with the hosts winning the ball and Gundogan doing brilliantly to win a free-kick near halfway.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:46 , Chris Wilson45 mins
The hosts are looking to close this game out and Liverpool are struggling to create anything of note as the half approaches its end.
We’ll have three minutes of added time at Rams Park.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Some pressure from the visitors but it’s not coming to much at present, with Frimpong the latest to have the door closed on him.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:41 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Liverpool put the free-kick from deep into the box but nothing comes of it. We’re back underway though, and Konate is back on.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:38 , Chris Wilson37 mins
There’s a break in play as Konate is receiving treatment for a head injury.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:37 , Chris Wilson36 mins
First yellow card of the day as Lemina brings down Jones with a cynical challenge.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:35 , Chris Wilson33 mins
More pressure from Liverpool, with chances from two corners.
The first causes pinball in the box but neither Ekitike nor Kerkez can get a shot on target – thanks to heroic blocks from Galatasary defenders – before Konate heads wide from point-blank range.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:33 , Chris Wilson30 mins
Half a chance for the hosts once again as Konate is forced to turn an inviting Osimhen cross behind for a corner.
At the other end, Liverpool have a chance as Gakpo’s header lands at the feet of Wirtz around 12 yards out, and the ‘keeper makes a good save from the German’s half-volley.
Galatasaray 'a very different proposition'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:31 , Richard Jolly at Rams Park“It's worth noting Galatasaray lost their first game 5-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt. They are a very different proposition at their intimidating home and with Osimhen fit.”
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:28 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Half a chance for the hosts as Osimhen makes the space for a shot on the edge of the box, but Kerkez blocks well.
At the other end, Frimpong sees a cross blocked himself, but the last touch was off the Dutchman.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:25 , Chris Wilson24 mins
Szoboszlai ends up clipping in a cross from a strange free-kick routine, but Gakpo had strayed offside.
Just not quite clicking for the visitors in attack yet.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:24 , Chris Wilson22 mins
No chances since the goal, but the visitors are pushing the hardest. They win a free-kick near the Galatasaray box after some lovely dribbling from Gakpo.
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:21 , Chris Wilson19 mins
Perhaps the most irritating thing about that goal from a Liverpool perspective is that they should have been ahead 23 seconds before!
Wirtz had won the ball in midfield and the gap had opened up, with Ekitike latching onto the through ball to go 1-v-1 with the ‘keeper. He made the first save and the ball rebounded to Gakpo, who saw his shot cleared off the line by Sanchez!
'The problems of using Szoboszlai at right-back'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:19 , Richard Jolly at Rams ParkRichard Jolly reporting from Rams Park:
“The problems of using Szoboszlai as a makeshift right-back? He had done well in earlier games but he tripped Baris Yilmaz there, just as he had been outpaced by Osimhen earlier.”
GOAL! Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:18 , Chris Wilson16 mins
GOAL! Victor Osimhen steps up and places the penalty confidently, going down the middle as Alisson dived right.
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:17 , Chris Wilson15 mins
PENALTY! Galatasaray counter from a solid Liverpool opportunity and suddenly Yilmaz has isolated Szoboszlai in the box. He tries to take him on on the outside and the Hungarian swings an elbow as he makes the challenge, taking him down and conceding a penalty!
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:15 , Chris Wilson14 mins
PENALTY to Galatasaray! Absolute chaos at Rams Park!
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:13 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Plenty of exchanging possession early on too, especially in midfield, though the visitors seem used to the atmosphere already as Szoboszlai sees an early cross blocked.
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:12 , Chris Wilson8 mins
Liverpool have settled well here despite the atmosphere and they’re beginning to dominate possession, though they haven’t fashioned a clear-cut chance yet.
'This is a surprise'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:09 , Richard Jolly at Rams ParkRichard Jolly reporting from Istanbul:
“It turns out the right winger is none of those I suggested earlier, but Jeremie Frimpong, with Szoboszlai behind him at right-back.
“Slot has namechecked Frimpong as an option for the role in recent weeks, but this is still a surprise.”
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:06 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Better from the visitors as Ekitike holds it up well before sweeping it wide to Frimpong, who sees a good early cross put behind for a corner.
Deafening noise every time Liverpool have a set-piece.
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:05 , Chris Wilson3 mins
CLOSE! The first chance of the night goes to the home side, with Yilmaz played through on goal before Alisson rushes off his line to close down the space and make a save.
Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:03 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Liverpool win an early corner but Konate can’t get a header on target.
Something interesting to note as it appears Jeremie Frimpong will be playing on the right wing, with Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back.
KICK-OFF! Galatasaray 0-0 Liverpool
Tuesday 30 September 2025 20:00 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at Rams Park!
Galatasaray vs Liverpool LIVE
Tuesday 30 September 2025 19:55 , Chris WilsonThe teams are about to emerge from the tunnel at Rams Park to a deafening noise from the home crowd.
We should be underway very soon here!
Form guide
Tuesday 30 September 2025 19:50 , Chris WilsonLiverpool’s first loss of the season came last week as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Palace, with the Reds having won all of their previous games, including a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Atletico last time out in Europe.
Glatasaray have won all seven of their league matches so far, and they sit top of the Süper Lig with 21 points.
However, the Turkish side did lose 5-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt in their Champions League opener.
Match stats
Tuesday 30 September 2025 19:45 , Chris WilsonGalatasaray are unbeaten in their last three games against English opponents in European competition (W2 D1), with wins over Manchester United (3-2) and Tottenham (3-2) in the UEFA Europa League in the last two campaigns. This is as many victories as they managed in the previous 12 combined (W2 D5 L5).
Liverpool have won 13 of their last 14 matches in the group/league phase of the UEFA Champions League (L1), while the last team to keep a clean sheet against the Reds in a non-knockout stage game in the competition was Atalanta in November 2020 (scored 56 goals in 23 such matches since then).
Head-to-head
Tuesday 30 September 2025 19:37 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have faced off five times previously, with four coming in competitive fixtures.
Liverpool have won just one of these fixtures, with the Turkish side winning one and the other ending as a draw.
The last time they met competitively was in the group stages of the 06/07 Champions League, with both matches finishing 3-2 to the home side.
The Champions League lesson Liverpool must learn to unlock new way of winning
Tuesday 30 September 2025 19:30 , Chris WilsonThere was a time when Crystal Palace acquired the tag of ‘Crystanbul’; for Liverpool, anyway. A week that takes them from Crystal Palace to Istanbulis a reminder they have a monopoly on neither comebacks nor late goals. Istanbul may forever be Liverpool’s most celebrated Champions Leaguefinal, the three-goal response to trailing Carlo Ancelotti’s AC Milan 3-0 long a part of Anfield folklore.
Some nine years later, as Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool sought to end their 24-year wait for a league title, they led 3-0 at Selhurst Park. This time, the 3-3 scoreline felt deflating. A dream died.
As Liverpool can testify now, teams who rely on the remarkable can come unstuck. Live by the late goal, die by the late goal? Logic suggests as much but, in a heady start to the season, Liverpool only benefitted from them. Even when opponents scored late on, they scored later.
The Champions League lesson Liverpool must learn to unlock new way of winning
Match stats
Tuesday 30 September 2025 19:20 , Chris WilsonGalatasaray and Liverpool will meet for a fifth time in European competition, with both sides managing one victory apiece across the previous four (D2). This will be their first game against each other since a 3-2 win for Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League in December 2006.
Liverpool are winless in their previous two away trips to face Galatasaray, 1-1 in February 2002 and losing 3-2 in December 2006. The only teams they’ve faced away from home more often in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League without winning are Chelsea (5 – D3 L2) and Napoli (3 – L3).
Hugo Ekitike reveals true thoughts on playing alongside Alexander Isak
Tuesday 30 September 2025 19:10 , Chris WilsonHugo Ekitike said it is a “good question” of how Liverpool use him and Alexander Isak after spending £200m on new strikers this summer but has insisted they can play together.
Ekitike joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69m and Isak followed from Newcastle for a British record £125m but the pair are yet to be on the pitch together – in part because the Swede lacked match fitness after his arrival was delayed until deadline day while the Frenchman was suspended for Saturday’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
Manager Arne Slot has preferred to operate with one striker, flanked by two wingers, but Ekitike formed a prolific partnership with Omar Marmoush at Frankfurt in the first half of last season.
Hugo Ekitike reveals true thoughts on playing alongside Alexander Isak
Team news
Tuesday 30 September 2025 19:00 , Chris WilsonArne Slot makes four changes to the side that lost to Palace at the weekend.
In defence, Jeremie Frimpong returns at right-back in place of Conor Bradley, while in midfield Curtis Jones comes in for Alexis Mac Allister.
Mo Salah is rested in place of Cody Gakpo, while Hugo Ekitike returns from suspension to start in place of Alexander Isak.
'A star-studded bench for Liverpool'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 18:55 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Richard Jolly at Rams Park:
“A star-studded bench for Liverpool tonight. It was expected Alexander Isak would be on it. The surprise is that Mohamed Salah is, too. Perhaps it is a recognition that Salah needs to be rested more than before and Liverpool do have Chelsea on Saturday.
“But it will be interesting to see who plays on the right; presumably Florian Wirtz but possibly Cody Gakpo or even Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai.”
Line-ups
Tuesday 30 September 2025 18:51 , Chris WilsonGalatasaray XI: Cakir; Singo, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Lemina, Torreira, Gundogan; Akgun; Osimhen, Yilmaz.
Subs: Gunay, Metehan, Sallai, Sara, Icardi, Sane, Eren, Berkan, Ahmed, Kaan, Yusuf, Arda.
📢 Liverpool karşısında ilk 11’imiz ve yedeklerimiz! 👇 #GSvLIV #UCL pic.twitter.com/YWsRccfeXp
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) September 30, 2025
Line-ups
Tuesday 30 September 2025 18:47 , Chris WilsonLiverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Wirtz, Ekitike, Gakpo.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Isak, Mac Allister, Salah, Bradley, Robertson, Ngumoha.
Team news is in for our clash with Galatasaray ✊ #UCL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 30, 2025
'Deafening whistles from the home crowd'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 18:43 , Richard Jolly at Rams ParkThe latest from Richard Jolly at Rams Park:
“The Rams Park is still largely unoccupied but when Liverpool emerged for a stroll on the pitch, there were still deafening whistles from the home crowd.
“Arne Slot looked unperturbed, but it suggests Liverpool should prepare for something rather louder when the rest of the Galatasaray crowd get here.”
Team news
Tuesday 30 September 2025 18:40 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups will be announced in the next five minutes or so, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for the visitors...
Liverpool will be without Giovanni Leoni for the rest of the season after he tore his ACL, leaving Arne Slot with just three senior centre backs. Ibrahima Konate has been shaky as of late and may be dropped for Joe Gomez, while Hugo Ekitike is available after missing Saturday’s loss through suspension. Federico Chiesa has not travelled with the squad due to injury.
Slot: 'You have to give your all'
Tuesday 30 September 2025 18:30 , Chris Wilson“Win, lose or draw - if you want to compete for trophies and wear a Liverpool shirt, you have to give your all and play good football,” said Arne Slot in his pre-match conference when asked about the reaction to the defeat to Palace.
“We conceded so many chances against Palace, so we can improve and those things I will show to the players.
“"We play to score goals and win games. As long as Liverpool have existed, they have more possession than other teams. Sometimes teams are happy to defend because they are very strong. Teams are managed so well and are so fit, it is getting harder and harder to play through, so we brought in good attackers who can help unlock those road blocks.
“We have conceded four goals from set-pieces. We have changed full-backs but we have [also] changed a bit more. The goals we conceded - I will look back in detail -but the first thing that comes to my mind is not that the new full-backs are the problem."
Jurgen Klopp provides honest verdict on whether he’ll ever return to coaching
Tuesday 30 September 2025 18:15 , Chris WilsonJurgen Klopp has provided an update on whether he will ever go back into coaching, 16 months on from his emotional departure from Liverpool.
Klopp bid farewell to Anfield after nine glory-laden seasons in 2024, guiding the club to their first Premier League title in 30 years as well as a sixth Champions League.
The German now serves as the head of global soccer for Red Bull, a strategic non-managerial role that sees him provide transfer and coaching guidance to its network of clubs such as RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg.
Jurgen Klopp provides honest verdict on whether he’ll ever return to coaching
Liverpool dealt devastating Giovanni Leoni injury update as defender ruled out ‘for a year’
Tuesday 30 September 2025 18:03 , Chris WilsonGiovanni Leoni will be out for about a year after Arne Slot confirmed the defender sustained a cruciate ligament injury on his Liverpool debut.
The 18-year-old Italian was stretchered off in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton and Liverpool immediately feared he had suffered a serious knee injury.
Scans confirmed that, in a blow to both Liverpool and the centre-back, who joined from Parma for £26m in the summer.
When is Galatasaray vs Liverpool?
Tuesday 30 September 2025 17:50 , Chris WilsonThe Champions League clash between Galatasaray and Liverpool kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 30 September at Rams Park in Istanbul, Turkey.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting at 6:30pm BST. New customers to Amazon can take out a free Prime subscription for 30 days; after that, it is £8.99 per month. You can also sign up for just Prime Video for £5.99 per month.
Predicted line-ups
Tuesday 30 September 2025 17:42 , Chris WilsonGalatasaray XI: Cakir; Sallai, Singo, Sanchez, Elmali; Torreira, Lemina; Sane, Gundogan, Akgun; Osimhen.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Chiesa; Ekitike.
Team news
Tuesday 30 September 2025 17:38 , Chris WilsonGalatasaray are buoyed by the return of star striker Victor Osimhen, who could make his first start since August 30 following a spell out injured. The Turkish giants will also turn to former Manchester City stars Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane, two players who have done the damage against the Reds before.
Team news
Tuesday 30 September 2025 17:34 , Chris WilsonLiverpool will be without Giovanni Leoni for the rest of the season after he tore his ACL, leaving Arne Slot with just three senior centre backs. Ibrahima Konate has been shaky as of late and may be dropped for Joe Gomez, while Hugo Ekitike is available after missing Saturday’s loss through suspension. Federico Chiesa has not travelled with the squad due to injury.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool LIVE
Tuesday 30 September 2025 17:31 , Chris WilsonLiverpool will face the heat of one Istanbul’s vociferous cauldrons as they pay a visit to Turkish champions Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The Reds began their European campaign in a fashion fitting of their season so far, throwing away a two-goal lead against Atletico Madrid before leaving it late and nabbing all three points thanks to a stoppage-time header from captain Virgil van Dijk.
And after having their late show flipped on their head in a losing effort at Crystal Palace, Liverpool will need to react from this slap in the face if they want to get back to winning ways in Turkey.
Galatasaray have started their domestic season in imperious fashion, storming away at the top of the Super Lig table, but comparatively suffered a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Frankfurt in their Champions League opener.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool LIVE
Tuesday 30 September 2025 17:28 , Chris WilsonGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live blog coverage of tonight’s Champions League match between Liverpool and Galatasaray.
The reds travel to Istanbul looking for another win in Europe’s top competition after getting off to a dramatic start with a last-gasp 3-2 win over Atletico last time out.
And we’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates right here.
