Arne Slot faces awkward Liverpool reality in 100th game as Galatasaray earns last-16 advantage

Liverpool may still feel confident of its chances of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals, but the Reds can't overlook concerning elements from that defeat at Galatasaray

Arne Slot can't avoid uncomfortable Liverpool reality after the 1-0 loss to Galatasaray

Arne Slot’s 100th game in charge of Liverpool was supposed to offer further proof that his side’s recovery is still on track. Instead, the 1-0 loss at Galatasaray was a reminder of how volatile the Reds’ performances remain.

That’s the sort of intro that could have followed countless Liverpool games this season. Too often, impressive results have preceded reality-inducing setbacks. After the confident showing at Molineux on Friday, this was another of those nights where Slot was left scratching his head.

What on earth was Ibrahima Konate playing at? Why exactly did VAR disallow Liverpool’s late goal, and what has happened to Mohamed Salah’s once unshakable confidence?

Most pertinently, both sides will be wondering how they didn’t score more in the first edition of this last-16 tie. With 30 combined shots, 10 on target, four big chances, and a joint expected goals total of just under 3.0, it is remarkable that this game produced only one goal.

It was Mario Lemina who grabbed that solitary strike, heading in from a set-piece after seven minutes to stymie what had been an aggressive Liverpool opening to the Champions League encounter. Florian Wirtz missed two big chances on either side of that, while Alexis Mac Allister flashed an effort wide at the start of the second half, as Liverpool did, at least, flex its muscles offensively.

It was at the other end where the concerns arose. This was the Liverpool of the dire autumn crash at times, with Virgil van Dijk too easily outmaneuvered, Milos Kerkez hauled off, and Konate, as Slot once put it, was “too much at the crime scene.” Even Liverpool’s improved set-piece outlook was lacking, and Galatasaray routinely threatened from crosses and balls into the box.

The Turkish champions, while also impressing in attack, looked a little ragged in defense. Therefore, Slot will remain confident of his side’s chances of progression.

This was another bruising night for Liverpool

He acknowledged pre-match how daunting the atmosphere would be - that he opted not to introduce Rio Ngumoha at any stage told its own story. The Liverpool head coach was also keen to stress that, unlike their meeting in September, this was not a one-off fixture. That Galatasaray must now sample one of Anfield’s famous European nights, without away fans in attendance, could prove decisive.

“What I do know is now it's half-time,” Slot said after the game. “We've lost here twice with 1-0 and the good thing is the next game is not played here. It is played at Anfield and our fans can create a similar atmosphere.

“I don't think it's possible that if I look at the last two games that so many things can go against us as happened in the last two games, although sometimes I question that if I look at this season.

“But I think things will be more normal in a home game for us. And I also think we can improve our performance and that, with the help of our fans, has to lead to a big game in a week.”

Mario Lemina's header was the difference in the first leg(Image: Photo by BSR Agency/Getty Images)

Given it took nearly two hours after the final whistle for those quotes to emerge online, that felt telling in itself. In a season where matches have been accompanied by definitive “hot takes,” Tuesday’s debrief felt oddly muted.

TNT Sports barely acknowledged the game’s conclusion before switching to coverage of Atletico vs Tottenham. Now, there’s a reminder of just how bad things can get for the Premier League elite.

For Spurs, back at the ground where they once contested a Champions League final, it was a stark reminder of their falling standards.

Liverpool also lost the previous meeting with Galatasaray this season(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool’s parallels with its last trip to Istanbul are less stark, although still unavoidable. Nearly six months ago, it lost 1-0 on a night underpinned by defensive mishaps and a plethora of missed scoring chances. There were even a few controversial VAR decisions to pore over.

That defeat was one of six Liverpool suffered across a dire run of seven games. Given the Reds’ rejuvenation since late November, that sequence is unlikely to be repeated, while the context of a second leg is key in assessing Tuesday’s loss.

As Slot brought up his century, it has become indisputable that his side has improved, and yet is still so far from being an elite force.

That may still be enough to overturn this tie at Anfield next week. But if Liverpool is to go deep in this competition, a vast upgrade will be required.