The UEFA Champions League round of 16 begins with a fascinating clash on Tuesday as Galatasaray host Liverpool at the intimidating RAMS Park for the first leg of their knockout tie.
Liverpool may sit sixth in the Premier League, but they showed their quality earlier in the competition by finishing third during the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. However, the Reds will be wary of their Turkish opponents, who already defeated them earlier this season.
Galatasaray booked their place in the knockout rounds after a dramatic playoff victory over Juventus. The Turkish giants progressed with a 7-5 aggregate win, though the tie nearly slipped away after Juventus stormed into a 3-0 lead in the second leg despite being reduced to 10 men for most of the second half.
That chaotic encounter highlighted both Galatasaray’s attacking firepower and their defensive vulnerabilities. Manager Okan Buruk will hope his side can tighten up at the back while maintaining their threat in attack when Liverpool arrive in Istanbul.
One complication for the Turkish club is that their fans will not be permitted to travel to England for the second leg following crowd disturbances in the match against Juventus. That sanction makes securing a positive result at RAMS Park even more crucial.
Galatasaray already have reason to believe they can hurt Liverpool. When the two sides met in the league phase in September 2025, the Istanbul side recorded a 1-0 victory. The decisive moment came from a penalty after a handball by Dominik Szoboszlai, but the hosts also defended resolutely and limited Liverpool’s attacking chances.
The Turkish champions have also been formidable at home in European competitions. They have scored at least three goals in eight of their last 13 continental matches at RAMS Park. However, defensive consistency has been an issue, with just one clean sheet in their last eight European fixtures at the stadium.
Liverpool head into the contest following back-to-back meetings with Wolverhampton Wanderers. They suffered a 2-1 defeat in the league before responding with a 3-1 win in the FA Cup.
That league loss was their only defeat in the last six matches, but performances have occasionally lacked conviction under manager Arne Slot.
Defensively, Liverpool have shown some cracks recently. They conceded five goals across their last three games, more than the three they allowed in the previous six combined. On the positive side, their attack remains potent, scoring at least three goals in three of their last five matches.
Their away form in the Champions League has been particularly impressive. The Reds have conceded only two goals in four away matches in the competition while scoring nine themselves, suggesting they are comfortable playing in hostile environments.
Still, history slightly favors the Turkish side in this matchup. Across six previous meetings between the clubs, Liverpool have won just once, drawing twice and losing three times.
Team News
Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk is expected to set up his team with physical intensity in midfield and attack to trouble Liverpool’s defence.Much of the focus will fall on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who will lead the line. He is likely to receive support from attackers Baris Yilmaz and Noa Lang. In midfield, former Arsenal player Lucas Torreira could partner ex-Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Mario Lemina.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to deal with several injuries. However, only Alexander Isak and Conor Bradley would likely have started if fit.
With Isak unavailable, striker Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the attack, while Jeremie Frimpong should replace Bradley on the right side of defence.
Manager Arne Slot could also reshuffle the attacking midfield. Florian Wirtz may move to the wing, allowing Szoboszlai to operate in a central playmaking role. Meanwhile, talisman Mohamed Salah will once again be Liverpool’s primary attacking threat.
Possible Starting Lineups
Galatasaray:Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Yilmaz, Akgun, Lang; Osimhen.
Liverpool:
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Expert Prediction
Galatasaray 2-2 Liverpool
