Liverpool advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday, overcoming a first-leg deficit to defeat Galatasaray 4-0 (4-1 on aggregate) at Anfield. While the Reds dominated possession with 32 shots on goal, it wasn’t until the second half that Arne Slot’s side truly broke through, scoring three goals in a decisive 17-minute stretch. The victory sets up a challenging quarterfinal matchup against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, a team that eliminated Liverpool at this stage last season.
The match began cautiously, with Liverpool seeking to overturn the 1-0 aggregate lead established by Galatasaray in Istanbul. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring in the 25th minute, expertly guiding a corner kick from Alexis Mac Allister into the net. However, Liverpool’s momentum was briefly stalled when Mohamed Salah’s attempted Panenka penalty was saved by Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir just before halftime. The miss added a layer of tension to the tie, but proved to be a temporary setback.
Second-Half Surge Seals Victory
The second half witnessed a flurry of activity as Liverpool relentlessly pressed for goals. Hugo Ekitike extended the lead in the 51st minute, latching onto a precise through ball from Salah. Just two minutes later, Ryan Gravenberch capitalized on a rebound after Cakir initially saved a shot, further solidifying Liverpool’s advantage. The scoring was completed by Salah in the 62nd minute, a stunning curling strike that showcased his exceptional skill and marked his 50th career goal in the Champions League – a milestone for the Egyptian forward and the first achieved by an African player in the competition.
TWO GOALS IN 115 seconds 🤯
Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch go back to back to put Liverpool in control 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DXLCr4rPAj
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 18, 2026
A Tough Quarterfinal Awaits
Liverpool’s path to the quarterfinals wasn’t without its challenges. The first leg in Istanbul saw Galatasaray secure a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from former Premier League midfielder Mario Lemina, a result that highlighted Liverpool’s struggles with creativity and confidence at the time. Wednesday’s dominant performance, however, demonstrated a significant turnaround in form.
The upcoming quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain presents a formidable test. PSG convincingly defeated Chelsea 8-2 in their own round of 16 tie, signaling their continued dominance in European football. Liverpool manager Arne Slot will need to draw upon his team’s newfound momentum and tactical flexibility to overcome the defending champions. Slot, who secured the Premier League title in his first season with Liverpool, is facing a crucial period as he navigates challenges in the Champions League, the Premier League top-four race, and the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Team Lineups and Absences
Liverpool Starting XI: Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike.
Galatasaray Starting XI: Cakir, Boey, Singo, Bardakci, Jakobs, Torreira, Lemina, Sara, Sallai, Yilmaz, Osimhen.
Liverpool were without several key players due to injury, including Wataru Endo (ankle), Conor Bradley (knee), Alexander Isak (broken leg – more information), and Giovanni Leoni (knee – more information). Galatasaray were missing Davinson Sanchez (suspension), Metehan Baltaci (suspension), and Enes Buyuk (shoulder).
Liverpool will now turn their attention to a busy schedule that includes a Premier League match at Brighton and an FA Cup quarterfinal against Manchester City. These upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining the direction of Liverpool’s season. Fans can find the full Champions League bracket and schedule here.
The Reds’ convincing victory over Galatasaray provides a much-needed boost as they prepare for a challenging run of games. The quarterfinal clash against PSG promises to be a thrilling encounter, and Liverpool will need to maintain their improved form if they hope to progress further in the competition.
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