Not exactly the best place to get back into form – Liverpool in the hell of Istanbul

Liverpool head to Istanbul this week for their second Champions League fixture of the campaign, looking to bounce back after their first setback of 2025–26.

Arne Slot’s side were undone at the death against Crystal Palace, with Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time strike ending their unbeaten start. Arsenal’s dramatic win at Newcastle the following day then cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to just two points.

The defeat wasn’t entirely unexpected, given the Reds had relied on late drama to preserve their perfect start. Even in Europe, their opener against Atletico Madrid showed frailties: Marcos Llorente’s quickfire brace nearly cancelled out a dominant display, only for Virgil van Dijk’s header to secure victory.

Their opponents, Galatasaray, have been relentless in Turkish football but continue to struggle in the Champions League spotlight. A 5–1 hammering by Eintracht Frankfurt in their opening group match did little to inspire confidence.

Back in Istanbul, though, Okan Buruk’s men are a tougher proposition. Summer signings Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan, both formerly of Manchester City, underline their ambition, while Victor Osimhen is set to lead the line again after returning from injury at the weekend. Mauro Icardi has deputised during his absence, but the Nigerian’s comeback gives Gala a huge lift. Hugo Ekitike is also back in contention, adding another attacking option.

For Liverpool, changes are expected too. Cody Gakpo should reclaim his place on the left after Florian Wirtz struggled in that role against Palace. In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai could be asked to sit deeper alongside Ryan Gravenberch, while Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley are tipped to start in the full-back positions. Summer arrivals Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are still finding their feet and may have to settle for the bench again.

Galatasaray’s heavy defeat in Germany has dampened some of the optimism that followed the group stage draw, but the return of Osimhen and the fierce backing of their home crowd will make this a daunting trip. Liverpool, visiting Istanbul for the first time since their 3–2 defeat in 2006, know this has all the ingredients for a fiery, end-to-end contest.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 2

Tuesday

19.45: (1.95) Atalanta (3.70) Club Brugge (4.10)

19.45: (35.0) Kairat Almaty (14.0) Real Madrid (1.08)

22.00: (1.48) Atl.Madrid (4.85) Eintr.Frankfurt (6.75)

22.00: (3.15) Bodo (3.75) Tottenham (2.15)

22.00: (1.70) Chelsea (4.00) Benfica (5.25)

22.00: (4.95) Galatasaray (4.30) Liverpool (1.70)

22.00: (1.28) Inter (5.90) Slavia Praha (9.50)

22.00: (1.48) Olympique Marseille (4.70) Ajax (7.00)

22.00: (21.0) Paphos (11.0) Bayern (1.12)

Wednesday

19.45: (2.70) Qarabag (3.35) Copenhagen (2.60)

19.45: (3.50) St.Gilloise (3.45) Newcastle (2.10)

22.00: (1.20) Arsenal (6.75) Olympiakos (14.0)

22.00: (1.95) Barcelona (3.70) PSG (3.70)

22.00: (1.83) Dortmund (3.50) Ath.Bilbao (4.50)

22.00: (1.87) Leverkusen (3.60) PSV (4.20)

22.00: (6.75) Monaco (4.40) Man.City (1.48)

22.00: (1.90) Napoli (3.50) Sporting (4.10)

22.00: (2.35) Villareal (3.35) Juventus (3.05)

***odds are subject to change***