Galatasaray vs Liverpool

Galatasaray and Liverpool will meet for the fifth time in European competition when they clash at Rams Park, with both clubs having secured one victory apiece across their previous four encounters (D2). Their last meeting came back in December 2006, when Galatasaray earned a memorable 3-2 win in the UEFA Champions League group stage at Ali Sami Yen. For Galatasaray, confidence will come from their recent record against English opposition. The Turkish champions are unbeaten in their last three European matches against Premier League sides (W2 D1). That run includes thrilling 3-2 wins over Manchester United and Tottenham in the UEFA Europa League, highlighting their ability to rise to the occasion. Remarkably, those two victories match the number they had achieved in their previous 12 encounters combined against English clubs. Galatasaray, meanwhile, have struggled in the Champions League in recent years. They have managed just one win in their last 18 matches in the competition (D5 L12). Their 2025/26 campaign began in the worst possible fashion, with a 1-5 hammering at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt. They have not lost their opening two group-stage matches since the 2012/13 season, and avoiding that scenario will be central to their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds. Barış Alper Yılmaz is expected at the attacking end of Galatasaray’s 4—2—3—1 formation.

The Reds make their return for UCL Match Day 2, following the disappointing 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace at the weekend. That defeat left Liverpool with successive defeats in the same campaign to the Eaglels. Arne Slot’s side now prepare to face Galatasaray, though their record in Istanbul leaves room for improvement. Liverpool are winless in their two prior visits to face the Turkish outfit. A 1-1 draw in February 2002 was followed by a 3-2 defeat in 2006. In fact, Galatasaray remain one of just a handful of clubs against whom the Reds have never won away in the European Cup or Champions League. Only Chelsea (five away games – D3 L2) and Napoli (three away games – L3) have frustrated them more consistently. Liverpool, though, boast a formidable record in the group/league stage of the UEFA Champions League. The Reds have won 13 of their last 14 fixtures at this stage (L1), showing both consistency and attacking power. Alexander Isak was at the attacking end of Liverpool’s 4—2—3—1 formation for Match Day 1’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid. The Swede is expected to keep his place in attack.