UEFA Champions League
5:45 p.mMarch 10, 2026
Round of 16
Rams Park Stadium
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano, Spain
Galatasaray
Liverpool
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.46
Expected Goals (xG)
1.27
Passing by
252 (72%)
Accurate passes
326 (77%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Khakir Ugurcan
7.7
4
d
Ismail Jacobs
6.9
42
d
Abdülkerim Bardakcı (C)
7.3
d
Davinson Sanchez
90′
90
d
Wilfried Singo
6.9
34
m
Lucas Torreira
6.6
77
m
Only Noah
7.2
8
m
Gabriel Sarah
6.9
53
m
Barış Alper Yılmaz
6.7
F
Victor Osimhen
7′ Substitutes
d
Andrew Robertson
60′ Replaced by M. Kerkezd
Jeremy Frimpong
60′ Replaced by M. SalahF
Cody Steele
73′ Replaced by F. Wirtz
28
G
Freddie Woodman
74
G
Colonel Misciur
65
d
Amara Nallo
17
m
Curtis Jones
42
m
Trey Nyoni
68
m
Kieran Morrison
73
F
Ngumoha River
UEFA Champions League Ranking – UEFA Champions League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Champions League (Play Off: Round of 16)
Galatasaray stunned Liverpool 1-0 in a hard-fought UEFA Champions League clash, with Mario Lemina’s opener and a heroic goalkeeping performance from Uğurcan Çakır sealing a famous victory.
Rams Park witnessed a vibrant European night as Galatasaray defied expectations. Liverpool, who arrived with a stronger record in the group stage, faced a daunting atmosphere and a resilient Turkish side.
The home crowd erupted just seven minutes into the game. Victor Osimhen, showing his predatory instincts, provided a smart assist. Mario Lemina was on hand to guide the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, giving Galatasaray a crucial early advantage.
Liverpool struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages. Galatasaray’s defense, organized by Abdülkerim Bardakcı, held firm. Milos Kerkez received Liverpool’s first yellow card in the 33rd minute, reflecting the Reds’ growing frustration.
By half-time, Liverpool knew they needed a major tactical change. Manager Jürgen Klopp (assuming he’s still in charge in 2026) surely demanded a more incisive attacking display. Galatasaray, on the other hand, tried to maintain their defensive form and threaten on the counter.
The second half began with Liverpool pressing higher up the pitch. Virgil van Dijk received a yellow card in the 55th minute for a clumsy challenge. Changes followed as Mohamed Salah and Milos Kerkez made way for Jeremie Frimpong and Andrew Robertson in the 60th minute, looking to spark fresh momentum.
Liverpool thought they had equalized in the 72nd minute. Virgil van Dijk found the net, only for VAR to intervene. The goal was controversially disallowed for a handball, to the relief of the home fans and the dismay of the Reds.
Galatasaray responded with substitutions of their own. Noa Lang and goalscorer Mario Lemina were replaced by Yusuf Akgun and Roland Sallai in the 77th minute, strengthening their midfield. Florian Wirtz came on for Liverpool in the 73rd minute, adding to their attacking options.
The final stages were tense, with two teams fighting hard. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai picked up yellow cards for Liverpool in the 88th and 90+5 minutes respectively. Galatasaray’s Davinson Sanchez also saw yellow in the 90th minute as the home side dug deep.
Statistically, Liverpool had 54% possession and managed 15 shots in total, with six on target. However, Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır made seven vital saves, thwarting almost all of Liverpool’s efforts. Galatasaray recorded an expected goals (xG) of 1.46 compared to Liverpool’s 1.27, indicating that they created slightly more clear-cut chances despite less possession.
This 1-0 win is a huge boost for Galatasaray in the Champions League group stage. It hands Liverpool their third defeat of the campaign, making their path to the last 16 more difficult. The result will resonate throughout European football.
