Prediction: Galatasaray vs Liverpool

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Liverpool resume their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night as they travel to RAMS Park for the first leg of their round‑of‑16 tie against Galatasaray.

While the Reds sit sixth in the Premier League, they take confidence from finishing third in the Champions League league phase. Their hosts, however, already claimed a 1–0 win over Liverpool back in September 2025 and promise to be one of the trickiest opponents in the knockout stage.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray enter the knockouts having survived one of the wildest playoff ties of the competition. After winning the first leg against Juventus, they found themselves 3–0 down in the return match—despite Juve playing with 10 men for most of the second half—before eventually progressing 7–5 on aggregate after extra time.

A significant blow awaits them later in the tie, however: due to crowd disorder in that match against Juventus, Galatasaray are banned from bringing supporters to Anfield for the second leg. Their best chance of progressing may therefore hinge on securing a strong first‑leg result in Istanbul.

They earned their league‑phase win over Liverpool through a controversial penalty that followed Dominik Szoboszlai’s handball, but the victory was well‑earned—Cimbom restricted Liverpool to few meaningful opportunities and were deserved winners on the night.

Okan Buruk’s men come into this fixture targeting a fourth straight victory across all competitions and a sixth consecutive home win. Their attacking numbers at RAMS Park are impressive: they have struck three or more goals in eight of their last 13 European home matches. Defensively, though, they remain vulnerable, having kept just one clean sheet in their last eight at the venue.

Team News

Buruk has suggested he will field a physically imposing side aimed at unsettling Liverpool’s defence. Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the line, supported by Barış Yılmaz and Noa Lang. In midfield, Lucas Torreira could feature alongside Mario Lemina in a combative pairing designed to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm.

Liverpool

Liverpool arrive in Istanbul after facing Wolverhampton Wanderers twice in four days—falling 2–1 in the Premier League on March 3 before responding with a 3–1 FA Cup win on Friday night.

The league defeat was their only setback in their last six matches, though the performances in several victories were far from convincing. Defensively, Liverpool have conceded five goals in their last three games, compared with just three in the six before that. At the same time, they have scored three or more goals in three of their last five fixtures, highlighting their potent but inconsistent attack.

Their Champions League away form offers reassurance: the Reds have conceded only twice in four away matches in this year’s competition while scoring nine goals. Liverpool’s biggest obstacle may be their historical record against Galatasaray—just one win from six meetings (three defeats, two draws).

Still, Arne Slot’s side have shown enough quality on the road in Europe to believe they can leave Istanbul with a result that keeps them firmly in the tie.

Team News

Liverpool remain without long‑term absentees Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni. In a fresh setback, Alisson Becker was omitted from the travelling squad due to a fitness concern, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal.

Cody Gakpo’s form has been under scrutiny in recent weeks, but although teenager Rio Ngumoha impressed in Friday’s FA Cup match, Florian Wirtz may be shifted to the left wing so that Dominik Szoboszlai can start centrally as a No. 10.

Conclusion

Galatasaray have already shown they can frustrate Liverpool, and their league‑phase victory will give them confidence heading into Tuesday’s clash. Buruk’s men are particularly dangerous at home, and the atmosphere at RAMS Park is sure to be intimidating.

Liverpool’s form has been unpredictable, but their European away performances have been strong, and they possess the quality to avoid defeat. If Slot’s side maintain composure and efficiency, they should return to Anfield with the tie very much alive.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: ZetBet