Galatasaray defeats Liverpool 1-0 in Champions League round of 16 first leg

Galatasaray secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie in Istanbul. The decisive goal was scored by Lemina in the 7th minute following a corner kick by Sara and an initial header from Osimhen. Liverpool initiated strong pressure early in the match with attempts from Wirtz and Konate, but struggled with clinical finishing. Although Liverpool appeared to equalize in the 72nd minute through Van Dijk, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review identified a handball by Konate in the build-up. This marks the second time Galatasaray has defeated Liverpool by a 1-0 scoreline in Istanbul within the last five and a half months, following their meeting in the League Phase on September 30. The return leg is scheduled to take place at Anfield on March 18.