Mario Lemina was the matchwinner for Galatasaray as they defeated Liverpool 1-0 of their Champions League final 16 first leg on Tuesday.
The midfielder’s first-half header cut up the 2 sides at Rams Park in what was an exhilarating encounter that noticed a mixed 4 huge possibilities, 30 photographs and two disallowed objectives.
Florian Wirtz missed a golden alternative after simply 104 seconds, firing extensive after Lemina performed the ball straight to him, although the Galatasaray midfielder made a greater impression on the different finish as he headed in from shut vary after a well-worked nook.
Wirtz squandered one other probability quickly after following good build-up play from Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Alex Mac Allister, whereas Giorgi Marmardashvili made two glorious saves to disclaim Noa Lang and Davinson Sanchez.
Dominik Szoboszlai compelled a cease from Ugurcan Cakir early within the second half earlier than Mac Allister shot extensive of the left put up, although the Reds have been let off the hook once more when Victor Osimhen noticed a purpose disallowed for offside in opposition to Baris Yilmaz within the build-up.
It was then Liverpool’s flip to have a purpose dominated out after Ibrahima Konate was adjudged to have dealt with the ball from a nook earlier than it ricocheted in off Wilfried Singo, whereas Cakir stored out a possible personal purpose from Sanchez late on as Galatasaray held on for his or her first-leg benefit.
UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi Son 16 Turu ilk maçında galibiyet bizim!
Maç sonucu: Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool #GSvLIV #UCL pic.twitter.com/YJr6Dadxnc
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) March 10, 2026
Knowledge Debrief: Angel Gabriel Sara shines in Turkey
It’s anybody’s guess as to how this completed 1-0, with Galatasaray producing 1.44 anticipated objectives (xG) to Liverpool’s 1.28 as either side tried 15 photographs.
Gabriel Sara was notably spectacular for the house aspect, making a match-high 4 possibilities, successful eight of his 16 duels (solely bettered by Ekitike – 10) and finishing 4 of his 5 tried dribbles (second to Ekitike – 5).
It was a quiet sport for Salah, who didn’t report a single shot in his 81st Champions League sport for Liverpool, probably the most of any participant for the membership.
