Galatasaray vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news
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Arne Slot leads Liverpool back to the daunting atmosphere of RAMS Park on Tuesday evening, looking to secure a first-leg advantage in their Champions League Round of 16 tie against a Galatasaray side that has already frustrated them once this season.
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The visitors arrive in Istanbul aiming to translate their European dominance into knockout success following a high-octane league phase. Meanwhile, their domestic form remains a rollercoaster of inconsistent results. A recent loss to the Premier League’s bottom club preceded an FA Cup rebound. Nevertheless, the Merseysiders boast a clinical edge on the continent.
However, the “Cimbom” previously proved they can topple Liverpool at home. Furthermore, a raucous RAMS Park crowd stands firmly behind them. Therefore, Okan Buruk’s experienced squad expect to repeat their matchday two success.
Galatasaray enter the knockout stage carrying high spirits after a thrilling aggregate playoff victory over Juventus. Subsequently, the Turkish champions have transformed their home ground into a true fortress. They remain unbeaten in their last seven fixtures at the venue across all competitions.
Interestingly, Buruk manages the oldest average starting XI remaining in the tournament. Thus, he leans heavily on veteran experience and the clinical form of Victor Osimhen. Ultimately, they aim to disrupt a Liverpool defence struggling for recent consistency.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news
- Date: Tuesday, 10 March 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 GMT
- Venue: RAMS Park, Istanbul
- Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano
- VAR: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández
- Last Meeting: Galatasaray 1–0 Liverpool (30 Sept 2025, UCL League Phase)
Team News
Galatasaray
Okan Buruk has a nearly full squad at his disposal, with only reserve keeper Enes Buyuk unavailable. Leroy Sané is eligible to play despite a domestic red card against Beşiktaş. Victor Osimhen will lead the line, supported by a physical midfield featuring Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina.
Liverpool
Arne Slot faces a significant goalkeeper crisis after Alisson Becker suffered a training injury on Monday. The Brazilian did not travel to Turkey, leaving Giorgi Mamardashvili in line to start. Federico Chiesa also stayed on Merseyside due to illness. While Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konaté are available, Slot remains without long-term absentees Alexander Isak, Stefan Bajcetic, and Conor Bradley.
Form
Galatasaray
The hosts have won their last three matches across all competitions and are unbeaten in their last seven at RAMS Park. Galatasaray are currently the oldest side remaining in this season’s competition with an average age of 28 years and 273 days. They have only lost two of their 22 home matches in the European Cup/UCL knockout stages and remain unbeaten in their last 10 at this stage. Victor Osimhen has been the standout threat, netting seven goals in eight Champions League appearances this season.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s Champions League form has been convincing, highlighted by nine goals scored and just two conceded in their four away matches this campaign. Historical data offers a warning; the Reds have won just one of five previous UCL meetings with Galatasaray, a 20% win rate that stands as their joint-lowest against any side faced five or more times.
The Reds have never won in three previous away games at Galatasaray, while Dominik Szoboszlai has been the creative hub, involved in eight goals in the competition this term. Arne Slot will take charge of his 100th game for Liverpool tonight, looking to break the club record for wins in his first century.
Predicted Lineups
Galatasaray Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Yilmaz, Akgun, Lang; Osimhen
Liverpool Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
How to Watch Galatasaray vs Liverpool?
The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 17:00 GMT.
Read more- Galatasaray boss outlines Liverpool threat and weaknesses
See Also- Simeone wary of former Atletico midfielder ahead of Spurs showdown
