Champions League

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.