Victor Osimhen’s first-half penalty proved decisive as Galatasaray earned a 1-0 Champions League victory over Liverpool on a raucous night in Istanbul.
The Nigerian striker converted from the spot after Baris Alper Yilmaz was adjudged to have been caught in the face by Dominik Szoboszlai’s trailing hand, handing Okan Buruk’s side a precious win. It was only their second triumph in 19 group-stage matches and a timely response to their heavy opening-night defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were left to rue another disjointed performance under Arne Slot, who suffered back-to-back defeats for only the second time in his tenure. Despite dominating possession and creating several half-chances, the visitors lacked creativity in attack and looked fragile defensively.
Osimhen could have inflicted further damage, spurning two clear chances after the interval before limping off injured. Alisson also denied him with a crucial save, though the Brazilian goalkeeper was later forced off himself following a knock.
The Premier League champions thought they had a late reprieve when referee Clément Turpin awarded an 89th-minute penalty for a foul on Ibrahima Konaté, but after a pitchside review, the decision was overturned.
Slot defended his selection choices, including starting Mohamed Salah on the bench until the 62nd minute, but admitted frustration at Galatasaray’s physical approach. “It was difficult to build rhythm,” the Liverpool coach said, though he conceded defeat was largely self-inflicted.
For Galatasaray, the victory sparked jubilant celebrations at Rams Park as the Turkish champions reaffirmed their intent to make an impact in Europe this season. For Liverpool, however, the result raised fresh questions about their defensive solidity and attacking sharpness as their European campaign continues.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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