The Champions League round of 16 continues on Tuesday evening as Galatasaray welcome Liverpool to RAMS Park for the first leg of their knockout clash.

While Liverpool finished third during the Champions League league phase to qualify directly for the knockouts, Galatasaray had to battle through a dramatic playoff tie against Juventus to reach this stage.

Having already defeated Liverpool earlier in the competition, the Turkish champions will believe they can cause another upset on home soil in what promises to be a fiery night in Istanbul 🔥.

Match preview

Galatasaray aiming to repeat earlier upset

Galatasaray had to fight extremely hard to book their place in the last 16. Their playoff tie against Juventus turned into one of the most chaotic contests of the round.

Despite Juventus being reduced to 10 men for much of the second half, the Italian side somehow managed to build a 3-0 lead, forcing the tie into extra time. However, Galatasaray ultimately prevailed 7-5 on aggregate, showcasing both their attacking power and resilience.

Now the Turkish champions face an even bigger challenge against Liverpool.

One key factor in the tie will be the second-leg atmosphere at Anfield, where Galatasaray supporters will be banned due to crowd disturbances during the Juventus match. That situation makes securing a strong first-leg result in Istanbul absolutely crucial.

Galatasaray will also take confidence from their 1-0 victory over Liverpool in September 2025 during the league phase. On that occasion, they capitalised on a handball from Dominik Szoboszlai to score from the penalty spot and then defended superbly to keep the Reds quiet.

Manager Okan Buruk will also be encouraged by his side’s strong home form.

The Turkish giants are currently on a three-match winning streak in all competitions, while they have also won five consecutive home matches. Furthermore, Galatasaray have scored three or more goals in eight of their last 13 European matches at RAMS Park.

However, defensive concerns remain. The hosts have managed just one clean sheet in their last eight home European matches, which could prove costly against Liverpool’s dangerous attack.

Liverpool seeking stability

Liverpool head to Istanbul with mixed momentum.

Arne Slot’s side faced Wolverhampton Wanderers twice within a week, suffering a 2-1 Premier League defeat before bouncing back with a 3-1 FA Cup victory on Friday.

Although Liverpool have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, their performances have not always been convincing.

Defensively, there are also some warning signs. The Reds have conceded five goals across their last three matches, compared to just three in the six games before that.

However, Liverpool’s Champions League away record this season has been impressive.

The Reds have conceded just two goals in four away matches in the competition while scoring nine times, showing that they are extremely dangerous on the road.

Still, history does not favour Liverpool in this matchup. Across their previous six meetings with Galatasaray, the Reds have managed only one victory, losing three and drawing two.

If they are to take control of the tie before the return leg at Anfield, Liverpool will need to improve their defensive organisation while maintaining their attacking efficiency.

Form guide 📊

Galatasaray Champions League form

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Galatasaray form (all competitions)

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Liverpool Champions League form

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Liverpool form (all competitions)

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Team news

Galatasaray

Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk is expected to deploy a physical lineup designed to disrupt Liverpool’s build-up play.

Much of the attacking responsibility will fall on Victor Osimhen, whose pace and power make him a constant threat.

He will likely be supported by Baris Yilmaz and Noa Lang, providing speed on the flanks.

In midfield, former Arsenal player Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina are expected to provide defensive stability and aggression.

Galatasaray possible starting lineup

Cakir
Sallai – Sanchez – Bardakci – Jakobs
Torreira – Lemina
Yilmaz – Akgun – Lang
Osimhen

Liverpool

Liverpool have a few injury concerns, though only Alexander Isak and Conor Bradley would normally be guaranteed starters.

With Isak unavailable, Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the attack.

At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong is likely to replace Bradley.

Manager Arne Slot may also adjust his attacking structure by shifting Florian Wirtz to the wing to allow Dominik Szoboszlai to operate centrally as a number 10.

Despite criticism surrounding Cody Gakpo, the Dutch forward could still feature due to squad rotation concerns.

Liverpool possible starting lineup

Alisson
Frimpong – Konate – Van Dijk – Kerkez
Gravenberch – Mac Allister
Salah – Szoboszlai – Wirtz
Ekitike

Key stats

• Galatasaray have scored 3+ goals in eight of their last 13 European home matches
• Liverpool have conceded only two away goals in the Champions League this season
• Galatasaray have beaten Liverpool 1-0 earlier in the competition
• Liverpool have won five of their last six matches in all competitions
• Galatasaray have won five consecutive home games

Prediction

Galatasaray’s atmosphere at RAMS Park is one of the most intimidating in European football, and the hosts have already proven they can frustrate Liverpool.

However, Liverpool possess greater depth and attacking quality. Players like Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai could prove decisive if the Reds control possession.

Expect a very competitive encounter, but Liverpool may edge the first leg.

Prediction

Galatasaray 1 – 2 Liverpool

Best bets

✅ Both Teams To Score
✅ Liverpool Draw No Bet
✅ Over 2.5 Goals

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