Liverpool return to Anfield with a one-goal deficit to overturn after an all-action first leg against Galatasaray.
Chaotic is the word I would use to describe that 90 minutes of Champions League action.
Liverpool started the game strong, suffocating the home side with relentless pressing and forcing a litany of errors.
They couldn’t capitalise, and Galatasaray got out in front from a corner, nodded home by Premier League veteran Mario Lemina. There were so many chances to level the tie, but Liverpool didn’t deserve a draw. 1-0 isn’t the worst, but the performance itself was pretty woeful.
Who was Liverpool’s worst player vs Galatasaray? 😬
Liverpool player ratings vs Galatasaray
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 7
Liverpool could be heading back to Anfield in much worse stead if not for some vital stops. Mamardashvili covered for Alisson’s absence about as well as he could.
Joe Gomez – 5
Defensively, Gomez was his usual solid self, but he found himself in attacking positions far too often for a centre-back. The crossing was bad.
Ibrahima Konate – 3
Some frankly brainless plays from Konate in this game. He’s very lucky his errors didn’t result in more goals for the home side. Just looked erratic.
Virgil van Dijk – 4
The Liverpool captain wasn’t much better. There were moments where he just looked switched off, and he was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession — he was bailed out by Robertson after a bad mistake on the hour mark.
Milos Kerkez – 5
Kerkez was hooked after 60 minutes after picking up a rather harsh yellow card. Not much to praise or criticise.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Gravenberch was quite effective in possession, but there were some head-scratcher moments with him and Van Dijk. He never looked comfortable when a high ball came in. Still, one of the better performers in possession.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
Quiet game from Mac Allister. Could have had a goal.
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Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Szoboszlai was the catalyst for Liverpool’s intense first-half pressing, but he faded out of the game in the second half.
Mohamed Salah – 5
Salah was more involved than some of the other attackers, but he caused no problems for the Galatasaray left-back. The pace just isn’t there.
Florian Wirtz – 4
You could tell Wirtz had been out injured very quickly. He had two gilt-edged chances in the opening minutes, chances you would have expected him to bury. Minimal impact from then on.
Hugo Ekitike – 5
Worked hard. Should have scored in a 1v1 situation. Affected by the atmosphere.
Substitutions
Jeremie Frimpong – 5
Frimpong came on for Salah on the right wing, offering more pace but little in terms of end product.
Andy Robertson – 6
Robertson saved Liverpool shortly after his introduction after Van Dijk gave the ball away.
Cody Gakpo – 5
Don’t remember him on the ball more than once.
One word for this game. Disappointing. Now onto Anfield.
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