Osimhen assists as Galatasaray edge Liverpool in Champions League clash

Galatasaray secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday, with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen providing the decisive assist.

The only goal of the match came in the seventh minute at Rams Park when Osimhen rose highest to head a corner across goal for Mario Lemina, who nodded the ball past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The early strike proved enough for the Turkish champions to claim the advantage ahead of the return leg.

Liverpool pushed for an equaliser throughout the encounter but struggled to break down Galatasaray’s organised defence.

Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitiké looked the most threatening for the visitors, but neither forward managed to find the back of the net.

Osimhen had opportunities to extend Galatasaray’s lead during the first half but missed two clear chances, first heading wide when left unmarked before failing to convert another effort from close range.

Liverpool started the second half strongly and came close to levelling the score when Alexis Mac Allister fired a shot narrowly wide of the post.

Galatasaray, however, remained dangerous on the counterattack and continued to threaten the visitors’ defence.

Salah was substituted after an hour, while both sides later had goals ruled out — Galatasaray for offside and Liverpool for a handball by defender Ibrahima Konaté.

Ekitiké also missed a late one-on-one chance as Liverpool’s search for an equaliser proved unsuccessful.

The second leg of the tie will take place at Anfield next week, where Liverpool must secure a victory to progress to the next round. A single goal without reply would be enough for the English side to overturn the deficit.