The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 was unkind to Liverpool on Tuesday. The English side squared off against the Turkish squad Galatasaray at Rams Park.
The Premier League squad dropped a tough 1-0 decision, putting them behind the eight-ball heading into the second leg of the elimination round.
Mario Leminam the Player of the Match, notched a goal early in the first half to give the Turkish side the lead. Little did Liverpool fans know the goal in the 7th minute would hold up as the game-winner. While the English side pushed to tie the match, Galatasaray held the line.
Now, things have gotten complicated for Liverpool. They’ll have to return home and beat Galatasaray by at least a 2-0 margin. Winning 1-0, 2-1, or even 3-1 won’t do. The English side will need to basically rout in order to qualify for the next round of the Champions League.
That looks like a tall order at this point. The match was devoid of truly memorable moments for Liverpool. Yes, there were a couple of looks throughout the match. But they weren’t anything truly dangerous.
It’s worth pointing out that Liverpool will need to be more disciplined in the second leg. The Premier League squad racked up four yellow cards. The cards proved costly as two Liverpool stars will miss their next Champions League match.
Virgil Van Dijk was booked in the 55th minute, as was Ryan Gravenberch. The two suspensions will leave holes in the back line and midfield for Liverpool.
Liverpool Dominates but Can’t Find the Net
On the whole, Liverpool dominated Tuesday’s Champions League match. However, they just couldn’t find the net.
In total, the English squad fired 15 shots, with six hitting the net. Meanwhile, Galatasaray fired 11 shots with five finding the target. But the one early shot was the difference-maker.
The overall possession in the game was even. While Liverpool completed more passes, they just couldn’t convert them into more dangerous scoring chances. The outcome was the product of a solid defensive scheme that saw Galatasaray roll with a 4-5-1 lineup.
Champions League Qualification in Jeopardy for Liverpool
The biggest question mark remains for Liverpool. They’ll be down two starters and face an uphill battle. They’ll have to come out firing in their next Champions League match. However, the scoreboard is on Galatasaray’s side.
Unless Liverpool can rout at home, a comeback looks doubtful. All Galatasaray needs to do at this point is pretty much play for a draw. That situation could pose a dangerous approach as the playing to defend their 1-0 lead is not a certain strategy.
Still, the odds are in Galatasaray’s favor. They did their job at home and will face a bit of an easier task on March 18.
As for Liverpool, playing on their home pitch should make a significant difference. But unless Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike can find the magic, Liverpool could be saying goodbye to the Champions League.
Liverpool fans will need to show their support at home in order to spur a rally from their squad.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Champions League Letdown for Liverpool Complicates Pass appeared first on Heavy Sports.