Arne Slot's 100th game in charge of Liverpool ended in disappointment as his side lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at Rams Park. The defeat echoed their league stage loss in September, with an early goal from Mario Lemina proving decisive.
Lemina headed in from a corner after just seven minutes, capitalising on a deep set-piece that Victor Osimhen headed across goal. Liverpool dominated possession but failed to convert chances, with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike missing gilt-edged opportunities.
Slot will be concerned by recurring shortcomings, including a jittery display from Ibrahima Konate, who was outpaced in the build-up to the goal and made several errors. Wirtz, making his first start in four games after a back problem, was peripheral, while the midfield struggled to function as a unit.
There was controversy over officiating, with Liverpool having a goal disallowed for an unintentional handball and a penalty appeal for a foul on Virgil van Dijk rejected. Slot questioned the decisions, noting that Liverpool received four yellow cards to Galatasaray's one.
Giorgi Mamardashvili impressed in goal, deputising for the injured Alisson Becker, making several solid stops. Mohamed Salah set a club record with his 81st Champions League appearance but was substituted after an hour following a disappointing display.
Despite the loss, the tie remains open, with the return leg at Anfield next Wednesday. Liverpool will be favourites to progress, but Slot will need to address the familiar issues that have plagued their season.
