Liverpool have never won in İstanbul, including tasting defeat at the hands of Galatasaray in 2006, subsequently being beaten by Beşiktaş in 2007 and 2015, their sole victory in Türkiye in six attempts coming against Trabzonspor in a Europa League play-off 15 years ago.
Galatasaray have only ever won four of 12 home games against English clubs, but did beat Tottenham 3-2 last November, having held Manchester United to a 3-3 draw a year earlier.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool preview
After seeing their perfect start to the season come to an end on Saturday, can Liverpool get back to winning ways by the Bosphorus strait? At the weekend, the Reds were beaten 2-1 by in-form Crystal Palace at Selhurst, with Federico Chiesa finding an equaliser with three minutes to go, only for the Eagles to snatch victory right at the death. Before this, Arne Slot's side had enjoyed five wins out of five in the Premier League, so the champions remain top, but now only by two points.
Meantime, in the Champions League, the Reds raced into a 2-0 lead inside six minutes against Atlético Madrid on matchday one, with Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah the scorers, only for Atleti to hit back twice, equalising with nine minutes to play. Nevertheless, as has been the theme of the season, Liverpool won it late, courtesy of Virgil van Dijk's towering stoppage time header.
After this in the league phase, Slot's side will travel to Frankfurt, Inter and Marseille, while also hosting Real Madrid, PSV and Qarabağ. Last season, the Reds finished top of the inaugural league phase, winning their first seven matches, so will they remain on course to repeat that feat here?
As for Galatasaray, they're simply looking to improve their miserable recent record in Europe's premier club competition. A fortnight ago, despite taking an early lead through Yunus Akgün, the Turkish champions were demolished 5-1 by Frankfurt at Waldstadion. As a result, since reaching the quarter-finals in 2013, Galatasaray have won just five of 39 Champions League matches, losing 24, only managing victories over Juventus, København, Benfica, Lokomotiv Moskva and Man United.
Domestically, Okan Buruk's team have won seven out of seven to start the new Süper Lig season, most-recently beating Alanyaspor 1-0 on Friday night with Mauro Icardi the only scorer. Now though, Gala supporters crave a major European scalp, so can their roar their team on at the Ali Sami Yen?
Galatasaray vs Liverpool head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 4.
- Galatasaray Wins: 1. Draws: 2. Liverpool Wins: 1.
Galatasaray team news
Okan Buruk's squad features plenty of familiar faces, including İlkay Gündoğan and Leroy Sané, who both joined over the summer, as well as Davinson Sánchez, Mario Lemina and Lucas Torreira.
In attack, Victor Osimhen made his move from Napoli permanent for €75 million, but has barely featured this season due to an ankle injury, although he did come off the bench on Friday night, so will he lead the line, chosen over Mauro Icardi?
Galatasaray predicted lineup vs Liverpool: (4-3-3): Çakır; Singo, Sánchez, Bardakcı, Elmalı; Torreria, Gündoğan, Sallai, Yılmaz, Sané; Osimhen.
Galatasaray player to watch vs Liverpool
During his time at Manchester City, Leroy Sané scored four goals in five Premier League games against Liverpool, so can the German international cause the Reds issue in İstanbul?
Liverpool team news
Giovanni Leoni ruptured his ACL on debut against Southampton last Tuesday, so has been ruled out for the rest of the season, meaning Federico Chiesa has been added to the UEFA squad.
In attack, Hugo Ekitiké will start, having been suspended at Selhurst at the weekend, while Slot could rotate his full-backs, with Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson hoping to start this time.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Galatasaray: (4-3-3): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Ekitiké, Gakpo.
Liverpool player to watch vs Galatasaray
Florian Wirtz is yet to get off the mark in a Liverpool shirt, his sole assists coming in the Community Shield, so can the German spark his Merseyside career into life at the Ali Sami Yen?
Galatasaray vs Liverpool prediction
Given what we've seen for both so far this season, this clash in İstanbul is highly-likely to be high scoring, but we're backing Liverpool to leave victorious: Galatasaray 2-3 Liverpool.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Galatasaray vs Liverpool in the Champions League on TV channel?
Galatasaray vs Liverpool in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Galatasaray vs Liverpool in the Champions League on live streaming?
Galatasaray vs Liverpool in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Galatasaray vs Liverpool in the Champions League?
Galatasaray vs Liverpool takes place on Tuesday 30 September 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).