Alexis Mac Allister singles out Arsenal flop who will give him tough night

Lucas Torreira was singled out by Alexis Mac Allister during his Liverpool press conference, as he evaluated the Galatasaray midfielder ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash

Alexis Mac Allister praised Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is expecting a tough battle against Galatasaray star Lucas Torreira on Tuesday night, in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie.

Galatasaray hosts Liverpool on Tuesday, before the second leg takes place at Anfield on March 18. Liverpool will be without goalkeeper Alisson for the Champions League clash after he suffered a minor injury in training.

Federico Chiesa is also out due to illness, meaning a lighter squad has traveled to Istanbul. Mac Allister is in line to start against the Turkish Super League leaders, but is prepared for a difficult test against fellow midfielder Torreira.

Mac Allister spoke to reporters before Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and was asked about potential risks when facing Galatasaray. "Well, if I have to choose one, I think Torreira, just because he's Uruguayan and we all know how we play in South America," Mac Allister said.

"He's a tough guy, really good player on the ball as well. I expect a lot of good duels against him."

Torreira joined Galatasaray in 2022 and previously played for Arsenal in the Premier League. The 30-year-old has been with the Uruguay national team since 2018 and has faced Mac Allister and his native Argentina on several occasions.

Torreira played for Galatasaray in their 1-0 win over Liverpool last year(Image: BURAK BASTURK/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

While Liverpool has struggled in the Premier League this season, and securing a top-four finish has become the aim rather than defending the title, Champions League success remains a possibility. Mac Allister has yet to win the Champions League.

The midfielder has celebrated winning the Premier League, a domestic cup, and the World Cup with Argentina, but still hopes to become a European champion. "It's my dream right now," Mac Allister said.

"It's a World Cup year so why not win it twice. But CL is an important goal this season. We have a team who can win it and I'm pretty sure the game tomorrow is going to be a tough one."

Torreira joined Galatasaray from Arsenal in 2022(Image: BURAK BASTURK/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool has already faced Galatasaray in the Champions League this season, losing 1-0 away to the Turkish side. Slot was asked about the previous result, and believes that Liverpool has to be at its best to avoid another defeat.

"We knew them already really well, and now we watch more games, and I have a lot of respect for the manager, successful as a player and a manager," Slot said. "Besiktas, they played them recently, and beat them with 10 men, which tells you a lot about how they fight.

"Quality players who fight with great fans behind them. We need to be so, so good tomorrow to get to Anfield.

"There wasn't a lot between us in the September game, open play quite similar, 50/50 game we lost because of the penalty, so two very good teams playing each other."