Liverpool host Galatasaray at Anfield on 18 March 2026 in a UEFA Champions League 1/8 final second leg, with Szymon Marciniak in charge. Galatasaray bring a 1-0 advantage from Istanbul after back‑to‑back 1-0 home wins over Liverpool in this competition. In the league phase, Liverpool were one of the elite performers: 3rd overall with 18 points from 8 matches (6 wins, 2 losses, goal difference +12, 20-8). Galatasaray finished 20th with 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses, goal difference -2, 9-11). Form in the league phase favours Liverpool (WWWLW) over Galatasaray (LDLLW).
Key Insight
Using league‑phase data only, Liverpool’s attack was far more productive: 20 goals to Galatasaray’s 9, and a tighter defence (8 conceded vs 11). At home in the league phase Liverpool won 3 of 4, scoring 11, while Galatasaray lost 3 of 4 away, conceding 8. Overall campaign stats confirm the trend: Liverpool average 2.2 goals per game across the entire campaign, Galatasaray 1.5, with the Turkish side leaking 2.2 per away game.
Team News & Danger Men
Liverpool are without S. Bajcetic, C. Bradley, H. Davies, W. Endo, A. Isak, G. Leoni and R. Williams, with J. Gomez doubtful. Galatasaray miss M. Baltaci, C. Guner, G. Gurpuz, R. Nhaga, D. Sanchez and A. Unyay. The visitors’ main threat is Victor Osimhen, who has 7 goals and 2 assists in this Champions League campaign, with 35 shots and 25 on target.
Verdict
Galatasaray’s 1-0 first‑leg win and Osimhen’s form keep the tie alive, but the numbers point to Liverpool overturning the deficit at Anfield and progressing from this 1/8 final.
