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Champions League: Victor Osimhen’s penalty sinks Liverpool as Galatasaray claim famous win
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Victor Osimhen’s early penalty condemned Liverpool to a shock 1-0 defeat against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night in Istanbul.
The Nigerian striker converted from the spot in the 16th minute after Baris Alper Yilmaz won a controversial penalty against Dominik Szoboszlai, punishing the English champions for yet another sluggish start.
The result marked Liverpool’s second consecutive defeat under manager Arne Slot, following Saturday’s league loss at Crystal Palace, and exposed the defensive frailties of a side that cruised to the Premier League title last season.
Slot rotated his side, leaving Mohamed Salah and £125m signing Alexander Isak on the bench, but his changes backfired. Szoboszlai, deployed as a makeshift right-back, was exposed defensively, while Florian Wirtz’s search for a first Liverpool goal continued after being denied by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.
Liverpool missed chances through Ibrahima Konaté and Wirtz before Alisson Becker once again came to their rescue with key saves — only to be forced off injured in the second half, replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Even after Salah and Isak were introduced on the hour mark, Liverpool remained toothless in attack, with Isak’s tame effort their best attempt.
Beaten 5-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt in their group-stage opener, Galatasaray bounced back in front of their fans with a spirited and disciplined performance. They nearly added a second in stoppage time, but Lucas Torreira’s strike fizzed just wide.
The victory gives the Turkish champions renewed hope while Liverpool’s disappointing European campaign continues with major questions hanging over their form and squad balance.
