Liverpool host Galatasaray at Anfield on 18 March in a finely poised UEFA Champions League 1/8 final second leg, with the visitors holding a 1-0 advantage from Istanbul. Referee Szymon Marciniak takes charge on a night where Liverpool must chase the tie without the comfort of an away goal cushion.
In the league phase, Liverpool were among the elite: 3rd overall with 18 points from eight games (six wins, two defeats), scoring 20 and conceding just eight. At Anfield they won three of four, hitting 11 goals. Galatasaray, ranked 20th in the league phase, collected 10 points from eight (three wins, one draw, four losses) with a negative goal difference (9–11) and a fragile away record: three defeats in four, conceding eight.
Recent history, though, favours the Turks. They have beaten Liverpool 1-0 in both Champions League meetings this season, including the first leg of this tie. Victor Osimhen, with seven goals in nine Champions League appearances, is Galatasaray’s standout threat.
Liverpool’s squad is stretched: Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Harvey Davies, Wataru Endo, Alexander Isak, Giacomo Leoni and Rhys Williams are all out, while Joe Gomez is doubtful. Galatasaray miss suspended defenders Mertens Baltaci and Davinson Sanchez among others.
Verdict: Liverpool’s home firepower and superior league-phase form should see them overturn the deficit, but Galatasaray’s counter-punch and Osimhen’s finishing keep an away goal highly likely. Expect a high-intensity, attacking second leg with Liverpool narrow favourites to progress.
