Arne Slot takes Liverpool to the intimidating RAMS Park on Tuesday evening, aiming for a first-leg advantage in their Champions League Round of 16 match against Galatasaray, who have already troubled them this season.
Liverpool enters Istanbul looking to convert their European success into knockout round achievements after a dynamic league phase. However, their domestic results have been inconsistent, including a recent defeat to the bottom team in the Premier League, followed by a resurgence in the FA Cup. Despite this, they show a sharp edge in Europe.
Galatasaray has demonstrated they can defeat Liverpool at home, and their passionate crowd at RAMS Park will offer strong support. Coach Okan Buruk’s experienced team aims to repeat their earlier success against Liverpool.
Galatasaray is in high spirits after a dramatic playoff victory over Juventus. They have turned their home ground into a stronghold, remaining unbeaten in their last seven home matches in all competitions.
Notably, Buruk leads the oldest average starting XI left in the tournament, relying on the wisdom and skill of veteran players, especially Victor Osimhen, to challenge a Liverpool defense that has struggled for 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 almost all players available, with only backup keeper Enes Buyuk out. Leroy Sané can play despite a red card in the league, while Victor Osimhen will lead the attack, backed by a strong midfield with Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina.
Liverpool
Arne Slot welcomes back Florian Wirtz, who has recovered from a back injury. Hugo Ekitiké, Ibrahima Konaté, and Jeremie Frimpong are also expected to be in the starting lineup. However, Alexis Mac Allister will undergo a late fitness test, and Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, and Conor Bradley will remain absent.
Form
Galatasaray
Galatasaray has won their last three matches and is unbeaten in seven at RAMS Park. With an average age of 28 years and over 273 days, they are the oldest team left in this season’s tournament. They have only lost two of their last 22 home knockout matches in the Champions League and remain unbeaten in the last ten at this stage. Victor Osimhen has been a key player, scoring seven goals in eight appearances this season.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s Champions League form is strong, scoring nine goals and conceding only two in four away matches. Historically, they have struggled against Galatasaray, winning just one of five previous UCL encounters, making this their joint-lowest win rate against any team with five or more meetings. The Reds have not won in three previous away games at Galatasaray, with Dominik Szoboszlai being a crucial playmaker, involved in eight goals this term. Arne Slot will lead Liverpool in his 100th game, aiming to set a record for wins in his first hundred matches.
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): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
How to Watch Galatasaray vs Liverpool?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 17:00 GMT.
Read more-Â Galatasaray boss outlines Liverpool threat and weaknesses
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