Victor Osimhen continued his fine Champions League form as Galatasaray claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Rams Park in Istanbul, taking a slim advantage in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Last 16 tie.
The decisive goal came in the seventh minute when Osimhen rose unchallenged to meet Gabriel Sara’s corner, heading the ball perfectly to Mario Lemina, who finished calmly and sent the visitors from Anfield home frustrated. Moments later, Osimhen thought he had doubled the lead after a defensive error from Ibrahima Konate, but the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build-up, despite Baris Alper Yilmaz not touching the ball. Had it stood, it would have marked Osimhen’s eighth Champions League goal of the season.
Liverpool, eager to mark Arne Slot’s 100th game in charge, came out aggressively and created early chances. Florian Wirtz narrowly missed after a slip by Galatasaray keeper Ugurcan Cakir, and Konate’s effort went over the bar. Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner appeared to be bundled over the line, but VAR ruled it out for handball against Konate. Galatasaray goalkeeper Cakir also kept out Hugo Ekitike’s chipped effort with a spectacular save, keeping the Turkish champions ahead.
Despite pressure from the Reds, Galatasaray defended resolutely, with Mamardashvili and Cakir producing crucial saves to maintain the lead. Liverpool will now return to Anfield for the second leg on 18 March with everything to do.
Elsewhere in the Champions League, Ademola Lookman played 69 minutes as Atlético Madrid thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-2, giving Diego Simeone’s side a commanding first-leg advantage.
Other First-Leg Results:
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Atalanta 1-6 Bayern Munich
Atlético Madrid 5-2 Tottenham
Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona
Today’s Fixtures:
Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting
PSG vs Chelsea
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
