Liverpool vs Galatasaray

Liverpool FC will host Galatasaray in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash at Anfield following a 1-0 loss to the Turkish side last time out. Liverpool have been a consistent presence in the latter stages of the Champions League in recent years, reaching the round of 16 in eight of the last nine seasons. However, they have struggled to progress lately, having been eliminated at this stage in their last two appearances. In terms of head-to-head history against clubs from each nation, Galatasaray have a balanced record against English opposition in UEFA two-legged ties, with two wins and two defeats. Liverpool, on the other hand, have faced Turkish sides three times in such ties, progressing twice and being eliminated once. Liverpool’s challenge is made more difficult by their first-leg defeat away from home. Historically, the Reds have struggled in these situations, losing 11 of their last 16 UEFA two-legged ties after being beaten in the away leg. However, when the deficit is specifically 1–0, their record improves significantly—they have overturned that scoreline in nine of 13 previous ties, offering hope for a comeback at Anfield. The Reds will be looking to do so once again on Wednesday. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Hugo Ekitike in attack may be seen against Galatasaray.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray SK are aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2012/13 campaign, adding further motivation for the Turkish side. For Galatasaray, their away record in Europe presents a major concern. The Turkish side have won just one of their last 12 UEFA away matches against English teams, drawing three and losing eight. Their only victory in that run came against Manchester United during the 2023/24 Champions League group stage. More broadly, Galatasaray have struggled significantly away from home in the Champions League. They have lost 19 of their last 23 away matches in the competition proper, with just two wins and two draws in that period. Such a record underlines the difficulty of the task they face at Anfield. That said, Galatasaray do have a solid history when protecting a first-leg advantage. They have progressed in 14 of their 17 UEFA two-legged ties after winning the first leg at home. However, their record becomes less reliable when the margin is only a single goal, having been eliminated in two of their last three such scenarios. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Osimhen in attack may be seen against Liverpool. Davinson Sánchez and Metehan Baltaci are both suspended for this fixture.