Liverpool’s road to European redemption takes them to Istanbul this Tuesday night as they face Turkish giants Galatasaray in one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 2 in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage.
The clash at the iconic RAMS Park (Ali Sami Yen Stadium) promises high drama, noisy support, and a real test for Arne Slot’s side as they look to shake off the disappointment of their recent Premier League setback.
Liverpool Arrive with a Point to Prove
The Premier League champions opened their Champions League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Atletico Madrid, sealed by a last-minute header from captain Virgil van Dijk.
That dramatic win gave Slot’s men the perfect start in Europe, but it was followed by a sobering weekend loss in domestic competition.
On Saturday, Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the new league season, falling 2-1 to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Reds looked to have rescued a point late on through Federico Chiesa, only to concede in the 97th minute to Eddie Nketiah.
The setback ended Liverpool’s perfect start in the league and served as a reminder that the team still has defensive wrinkles to iron out — especially in dealing with set pieces and managing the final moments of tight matches.
Galatasaray’s Rocky Start but Fearsome at Home
Galatasaray’s Champions League journey began in disastrous fashion as they slumped to a 1-5 defeat away to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Despite taking the lead early in that match, the Turkish champions crumbled under sustained pressure and now find themselves under early scrutiny in the group.
Yet history suggests Liverpool cannot take this fixture lightly.
Galatasaray have been a tough nut to crack on home soil:
- They have not lost by more than two goals at home in the Champions League for their last 18 consecutive matches.
- They have suffered only two defeats in their last seven home games in the competition.
- They have scored in nine of their last eleven Champions League outings, demonstrating attacking intent even in tough matches.
With the passionate home support at RAMS Park — renowned as one of the most intimidating atmospheres in European football — the Istanbul side will be hoping to draw strength and raise their game against the reigning English champions.
In the video below you can see Galatasaray fans throwing fireworks outside of Liverpool’s team hotel from @eurofootcom:
Slot’s Selection Dilemmas
Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot faces some significant decisions ahead of kick-off.
The squad is largely fit, though there are two notable absentees:
- Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined for the season with an ACL injury.
- Federico Chiesa, who scored in the weekend defeat at Palace, did not travel to Istanbul due to a minor niggle.
That aside, Slot has a near full-strength roster and plenty of depth to consider.
Defensive Choices
- Alisson Becker remains the undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper.
- Virgil van Dijk partners Ibrahima Konate in central defence.
- Andy Robertson returns at left-back to bring experience and balance.
- On the right, Slot opts for the young and energetic Conor Bradley, rewarding his recent form over the more attack-minded Jeremie Frimpong.
Midfield and Attack
Slot reshapes the midfield to ensure both defensive stability and creative drive:
- Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch anchor the central areas.
- Florian Wirtz plays in the advanced No. 10 role, aiming to link play between midfield and attack.
In the front line:
- Mohamed Salah takes his usual spot on the right.
- Cody Gakpo starts on the left after impressing off the bench in recent matches.
- Hugo Ekitike is trusted to lead the line, reclaiming his place ahead of Alexander Isak.
Final Line-Up
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Tactical Notes
Slot’s decision to go with Bradley rather than Frimpong at right-back suggests a more balanced approach, prioritising defensive solidity against Galatasaray’s fast-breaking wingers while still keeping an overlapping threat.
In midfield, the pairing of Szoboszlai and Gravenberch offers energy and work-rate, while Wirtz in the hole gives Liverpool a creative outlet capable of unlocking tight defences.
Up front, Ekitike’s movement and pressing will be crucial in disrupting Galatasaray’s back line, while Salah’s experience and Gakpo’s direct running provide pace and cutting edge from the flanks.
Galatasaray’s Key Weapons
Despite their heavy defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, Galatasaray boast a strong squad with the ability to trouble Liverpool’s back line.
Their probable line-up includes:
- Uğurcan Çakır in goal.
- A back four featuring Singo, Sanchez, Abdülkerim, and Jakobs.
- A midfield anchored by Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina, with creativity from İlkay Gündoğan.
- In attack, the dangerous trio of Leroy Sané, Barış Alper Yılmaz, and Victor Osimhen will test Liverpool’s defence.
The presence of Osimhen — one of Europe’s most feared strikers — adds a particular threat on the counter and from aerial duels, an area where Liverpool must remain alert.
History and Head-to-Head
Galatasaray and Liverpool share a long European history.
The Turkish side’s passionate home support has often made Istanbul a tricky destination for visiting clubs.
While Liverpool have the pedigree of six European Cups and a recent Champions League title under Jürgen Klopp, they have not always had it easy in Turkey — memories of fierce contests and tight scorelines linger.
Both clubs come into this game under different pressures:
- Galatasaray need a result to avoid an uphill battle in the group after their opening defeat.
- Liverpool seek to re-establish momentum after a league setback and prove that they remain serious contenders for the trophy.
What’s at Stake
For Liverpool, a second win from two Champions League fixtures would cement their place at the top of the group and ease the path to qualification for the knockout stages.
For Galatasaray, a positive result — even a draw — would restore confidence and keep their campaign alive.
A home win would ignite their European season and make RAMS Park a fortress again
Kick-Off Details
- Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- Kick-off: 22:00 local time (20:00 BST)
- Venue: RAMS Park, Istanbul
- Referee: Clement Turpin (France)
- Broadcast: Live and free-to-air on TRT 1 in Turkey; available internationally on official streaming platforms (e.g., Amazon Prime in the UK).
Final Thoughts
The night in Istanbul promises a Champions League clash rich with storylines:
- Liverpool’s quest for consistency after a domestic stumble.
- Galatasaray’s bid to turn their campaign around with the roar of their home support.
- Tactical calls from Slot that will be scrutinised — especially his faith in Ekitike to deliver up front.
- The looming memory of Liverpool’s weekend lapse against Palace, reminding them that late drama can be both a blessing and a curse.
Whatever unfolds, RAMS Park will be electric as two passionate clubs meet under the floodlights in a match that could shape the trajectory of their European seasons.
