Galatasaray took a significant step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their round of 16 tie at Rams Park.
Mario Lemina scored the only goal of the game inside seven minutes, heading home unmarked from Victor Osimhen's delivery. The Turkish side had further chances to extend their lead, with Giorgi Mamardashvili making a fine save from Davinson Sanchez and Osimhen, while Liverpool's Florian Wirtz twice went close in a chaotic first half.
After the interval, Liverpool improved but found themselves fortunate to avoid falling further behind when Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside. The visitors then had a goal of their own ruled out, Ibrahima Konate penalised for handball before scoring. Despite late pressure, Liverpool could not find an equaliser, with Galatasaray holding on for a slender advantage.
The result leaves Liverpool with work to do in next week's second leg at Anfield, while Galatasaray will be pleased with a first-leg lead after also beating Liverpool in the league phase. Davinson Sanchez's late booking means he will miss the return fixture.
