Szoboszlai Own Penalty Costs Liverpool in champions League Exit Against Galatasaray
Liverpool were eliminated from the Champions League group stage following a hard-fought 0-1 defeat against galatasaray in Istanbul. The decisive moment came in the 14th minute when a penalty was awarded to Galatasaray after a controversial incident involving Dominik Szoboszlai.
The match began with both sides creating chances. Early on, a Galatasaray striker was denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.In the 14th minute, Ekitike attempted a solo run on goal, failing to beat Cakir, with the resulting rebound from Gakpo blocked by a goal-line defender. Wirtz then lost possession,initiating a Galatasaray counterattack.
Shortly after, Yilmaz initiated a promising attack on the left wing, adn a subsequent cross struck Szoboszlai’s neck/upper arm. French referee Clement Turpin immediately pointed to the penalty spot, despite the potential for differing interpretations of the handball rule. Szoboszlai himself appeared to accept obligation for the incident, not protesting the decision.
Osimhen stepped up to take the penalty, feigning a run before shooting centrally as Alisson dived to his right, successfully converting the spot-kick.
The game continued with a frantic pace. Around the 30th minute, both teams threatened, with Osimhen missing a chance after a good run and wirtz being denied by Alisson from seven meters. Szoboszlai delivered the ensuing corner, but Liverpool failed to capitalize, with Konate heading narrowly wide from another corner. osimhen then attempted a long-range effort from 30 meters, forcing Alisson to come off his line and make a save.
Late in the first half, Gravenberch lost possession 22 meters from goal, nearly allowing Osimhen a clear run, but the Dutch midfielder recovered to make a crucial challenge. A subsequent free-kick was defended successfully, allowing the teams to head into halftime with Galatasaray leading 1-0.
After the break, Osimhen had an opportunity to double the lead but was again thwarted by Alisson from 16 meters, resulting in an injury for the Liverpool goalkeeper.
In the 62nd minute, Liverpool manager Arne Slot made tactical changes, repositioning Szoboszlai into a more central midfield role where he provided meaningful impetus. Isak was introduced, but Cakir was equal to his effort. Bradley then missed a clear heading opportunity from a Wirtz cross.
Liverpool continued to press for an equalizer. In the 88th minute, Turpin initially awarded a penalty to Liverpool, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review revealed a foul by a Turkish defender. Szoboszlai continued to deliver risky balls into the Galatasaray penalty area, but the Turkish defense held firm.
Ultimately, Galatasaray secured a 1-0 victory, eliminating Liverpool from the Champions League.
Other Results:
* Atalanta-bruges 2-1
* Kairat Almati-Real Madrid 0-5 (Mbappe scored a hat-trick)
* Atletico Madrid-Frankfurt 5-1
* Chelsea-Benfica 1-0
* Bodö Glimt-Tottenham 2-2
* Inter-Slavia 3-0
* Marseille-Ajax 4-0
* Pafos-Bayern München 1-5
The article also noted the recent managerial change at Benfica, with José Mourinho returning to the club following the dismissal of Bruno Lage, and his subsequent match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where he previously coached.
