Comeback in Liverpool on Wednesday?
The hosts from Liverpool head into Wednesday night’s second leg against Galatasaray needing to overturn a 1–0 deficit after last week’s setback in Istanbul. An early strike from Mario Lemina proved enough to separate the sides, leaving Arne Slot’s team with no margin for error at Anfield. Let’s take a closer look at one of tomorrow’s big CL matches!
Analysis
The first leg did not unfold as Liverpool had hoped, particularly as it coincided with Arne Slot’s 100th match in charge. The Dutchman has since stressed that a higher level will be required in the return fixture, especially with progression on the line.
Results across competitions have been inconsistent. Liverpool have recorded just one win in their last four matches (D1 L2), and their domestic campaign took another blow at the weekend.
A 1–1 draw at home to Tottenham saw them surrender a lead late on, with Richarlison scoring in the 90th minute. That result leaves Liverpool fifth in the PL, sitting two points behind Aston Villa in fourth with eight matches remaining.
Despite those frustrations, their record at Anfield in Europe remains a major strength. Liverpool have won 15 of their last 19 European home matches, and against Turkish opposition they have claimed five wins from their last six encounters (D1), conceding very little in the process and keeping five clean sheets.
There is also a precedent for recovery. Liverpool have advanced from nine of 13 European ties after losing the first leg 1–0. However, a broader trend is less reassuring, with elimination in 11 of their last 16 European knockout ties after an away defeat in the opening match.
Galatasaray arrive with the advantage and momentum. After finishing 20th in the League Phase, they progressed by eliminating Juventus and now stand within reach of a first CL quarter-final appearance since 2012–13.
Their record in similar situations is strong. The Turkish side have progressed in 14 of their last 17 two-legged ties after winning the first leg at home.
Away from home, though, the picture changes. Galatasaray have lost 19 of their last 23 CL away matches (W2 D2) and have managed just one win in their last 12 trips to England (D3 L8), that victory coming 3–2 against Manchester United in the 2023–24 group stage.
Defensively, long-term consistency has also been an issue, with only three clean sheets in their last 33 European matches, although two of those have come against Liverpool this season.
Domestically, they continue to deliver. A 3–0 win over Istanbul Basaksehir last weekend extended their lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig to seven points with 10 games remaining.
Team News
Liverpool are still without Alexander Isak (leg), along with Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley (knee) and Wataru Endo (ankle). Several regular starters are expected to return after being named on the bench at the weekend. Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate are all in line to start.
Florian Wirtz remains an option in a wide role, which would allow Dominik Szoboszlai — who has scored four CL goals this season — to operate centrally.
Galatasaray have their own selection issues. Enes Buyuk (shoulder) is unavailable, while Metehan Baltaci, Gokdeniz Gurpuz and Renato Nhaga are not included in the CL squad. At the back, Davinson Sanchez is suspended, meaning Abdulkerim Bardakci and Ismail Jakobs are expected to be restored to the defensive line.
In midfield, Yunus Akgun, Mario Lemina and Ilkay Gundogan are competing for places.
Victor Osimhen remains the main attacking threat with 19 goals in all competitions, including seven in the CL, and could be supported by Baris Alper Yilmaz and Noa Lang.
Verdict and Betting Angle
Liverpool’s form has dipped at a crucial point in the season, but their European record at Anfield suggests they remain well placed to recover.
Galatasaray carry the advantage and have proven difficult to break down in this tie, yet their away struggles in the CL remain a significant concern.
With the pressure on and the margin narrow, this could be decided over a longer period.
Tip: Liverpool win at 1.28.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 17.03.2026
