Galatasaray are heading to Liverpool for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie, aiming for a spot in the quarter-finals. The match at Anfield is scheduled to kick off at 23:00 local time.
Galatasaray will play the match without their fans due to a UEFA sanction related to the Juventus game on 25 February.
In the first leg of the last 16, Galatasaray beat the English side 1-0 at home on 10 March.
The Stakes at Anfield
A victory or a draw in Liverpool would secure Galatasaray’s place in the quarter-finals. If Liverpool win by a single goal, the match will go to extra time.
If Galatasaray overcome Liverpool, they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals, after their victory over Chelsea.
Manager’s Hopes
Galatasaray’s Head Coach Okan Buruk addressed the press before the Liverpool game. He said: “It’s a very important night for Turkish football, not just for Galatasaray. I believe in my players. I dream of leaving here with a win. I hope we can make this dream come true.”
Sánchez Suspended
Davinson Sánchez is suspended for the match due to a card he received in the previous game.
Liverpool’s Form
Last season’s Premier League champions, Liverpool, entered this season with high expectations in both the Champions League and in England.
However, things have not gone as planned under Arne Slot.
After losing to Galatasaray in the Champions League, Liverpool also dropped points in the Premier League. They are currently fifth in the Premier League with 49 points after 30 matches. Their Champions League form has been comparatively better.
They finished the league stage third, just behind Tottenham, with six wins and two losses from eight matches.
Key Liverpool Players
French forward Hugo Ekitiké is the team’s top scorer.
Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who has played in various positions this season, has also been performing well. Szoboszlai has also been effective from set pieces.
Previous Encounters
Galatasaray hosted Liverpool in the league stage of the tournament on 30 September 2025, winning 1-0.
Following the 1-0 victory in the first leg on 10 March, Okan Buruk said: “We now believe that we can beat and get past any team.”
Ahead of the second leg, he added: “If we start by scoring a goal there, we can overcome the opponent’s pressure. A very difficult match awaits us.”
Galatasaray are aiming to progress to the quarter-finals.