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Istanbul is a city that holds some special memories for Liverpool, but the Reds will no doubt want to forget their latest trip to Turkey quite quickly.
Victor Osimhen’s first-half penalty sentenced Arne Slot’s side to a first Champions League defeat of the season as they fell 1-0 to Galatasaray, and a second loss in just a matter of days as questions grow over Liverpool’s new-look side.
Once again, the Reds’ stars failed to live up to expectations as they struggled to make a meaningful impact on their hosts, and Slot has been handed further headaches after seeing both Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike forced off during the second half.
But while it was a night to forget for Liverpool, Galatasaray could celebrate a momentous victory over one of this season’s favorites for the European crown.
Having been thrashed 5-1 in their opening encounter against Eintracht Frankfurt, Tuesday’s win gets the Turkish champions’ campaign back on track, and the country’s media lauded Okan Buruk’s side after their display.
Milliyet columnist Osman Şenher commented: "It's not easy to beat Liverpool, one of the Champions League favorites, after the Frankfurt match. First, Okan Buruk , then the players, deserve applause. The coach analyzed Liverpool superbly. They didn't leave the opponent any space.
"Galatasaray made the first moves in aerial balls. They didn't repeat any of the handicaps and mistakes they experienced in the Süper Lig. As a team, they attacked and defended. They never ceded control of the midfield to the opponent at any point during the match.
"Now I wonder: will those who, after the Eintracht Frankfurt match, cried out, "Okan Buruk must go," and said, "Liverpool will go through Galatasaray," ever have any shame? What do you mean, a coach is fired just because a team loses in the Champions League? Which manager has been leading this team to the championship for three years? Whatever it is, we'll discuss these things. We'll also fight those who want to tarnish our football."
Meanwhile, Posta's fan panel gave a resounding verdict on their side: "Galatasaray didn't just play football against Liverpool yesterday. They fought on the pitch, they literally fought! It's not easy; they're one of the best Liverpool squads in history, the reigning Premier League champions, and one of the Champions League favorites this season!
"Galatasaray has never been a team that defended, or even managed to defend. Defending has never been part of Galatasaray's genetic code. Attacking, regardless of the opponent, has always been the norm.
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"There's a cliché that goes, "Let's play within our limits." Galatasaray didn't know their limits last night; they put them in their place! Eleven players in red and yellow striped jerseys went to the limit to pressure the opposition!"
And Fotomac's Zeki Uzundurukan added: "The arrival of world stars like Salah and Isak didn't change the outcome.
"Galatasaray's players were convinced of victory. They gave Liverpool's masterful footwork a breather. They rendered them helpless. They put up an incredible fight. Those who fight on the pitch win. The yellow-and-reds fought to the very end yesterday.
"We crushed a giant like Liverpool at Aslantepe. In short, kudos to them. This victory was fitting. Everyone who wore the yellow-and-red jersey played magnificent football and achieved an epic victory. Galatasaray will continue to make history with this kind of football."
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