Liverpool produced a stunning second-half display to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit and thrash Galatasaray 5-0 on aggregate, securing their place in the Champions League quarter-finals. A dominant performance at Anfield saw the Reds erase the memory of two defeats in Istanbul this season, with Mohamed Salah becoming the first African player to score 50 Champions League goals.
Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a well-worked corner routine, levelling the tie on aggregate and setting the tone for a rampant Liverpool performance. The Hungary captain has been instrumental throughout the campaign and his early goal gave Liverpool the belief they needed against a Galatasaray side that had beaten them twice already this season.
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk admitted his side played poorly, saying: 'We played bad, very bad.' The Turkish side were forced to withdraw Victor Osimhen at half-time due to an arm injury, and substitute Noa Lang suffered a serious finger injury in stoppage time, both requiring hospital treatment.
Liverpool's pressure was relentless, with Salah missing a penalty before the break but making amends in spectacular fashion. The Egyptian winger was instrumental in a devastating 11-minute spell in the second half, setting up Hugo Ekitiké for the second goal before scoring a brilliant solo effort to complete the rout.
The victory sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with holders Paris Saint-Germain, a repeat of last season's last-16 tie. Arne Slot's side will take confidence from a performance that showcased the intensity and incisiveness that has been a hallmark of Liverpool's European campaigns.
