Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool: Victor Osimhen scores decisive penalty as Reds suffer Champions League setback

Liverpool’s Champions League campaign faltered in Istanbul as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray on matchday two of the League Phase.

Victor Osimhen struck the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the first half after Dominik Szoboszlai, deputising at right-back, brought down Baris Yilmaz inside the area.

Manager Arne Slot made the surprising decision to start the Hungarian out of position in defence, while natural full-back Jeremie Frimpong was pushed forward into a wide attacking role. Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, was left on the bench.

Despite controlling the majority of possession at RAMS Park, the Premier League champions found themselves frustrated by a disciplined Galatasaray backline and an intimidating atmosphere, with the home crowd jeering and whistling at every Liverpool touch.

The Reds looked vulnerable defensively in the opening stages, with Yilmaz forcing an early save from Alisson, while Osimhen threatened on multiple occasions by exploiting space behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.

Liverpool created opportunities of their own, as Hugo Ekitike tested goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir and Florian Wirtz drew another strong stop. Yet their problems mounted when both Alisson and Ekitike were forced off through injury, with the extent of their issues still to be confirmed.

There was further frustration late on when Liverpool appealed for a penalty after Konaté was challenged aerially by Wilfried Singo. The referee initially pointed to the spot, but VAR overturned the decision after replays showed the Galatasaray defender had got the faintest of touches on the ball.

The result leaves Slot with plenty to ponder, having now presided over back-to-back defeats in all competitions. For Galatasaray, however, the victory marked a memorable night, fuelled by their passionate support and sealed by Osimhen’s clinical composure from 12 yards.