Galatasaray-v-Liverpool-UCL Ilkay Gundogan of Galatasaray SK looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray and Liverpool at the Rams Park on September 30, 2025 Istanbul Istanbul Turkey Copyright: xYagizxGurtugx
Arne Slot will be hoping to bounce back after Liverpool’s defeat to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League. The Reds now stand 16th in the continental standings but are still top of the table in the English Premier League.
In Turkey, though, it wasn’t just performance but the sheer hostility and atmosphere across Istanbul. The Reds were welcomed with complimentary fireworks near their hotel at 2 in the morning.
The Cimbom fans made sure that the players weren’t well rested before the Champions League clash. The fireworks continued late into the night, and they definitely had an indirect effect on player performances.
Another thing that players usually point out in Turkey is the fan culture. Rams Park continued the tradition with the noise distracting players as the Merseysiders weren’t able to score a single goal.
Liverpool Galatasaray atmosphere shocks Reds player
After the match, former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan revealed that a Liverpool player asked him about the general atmosphere in Turkish stadiums.
“This club is not just special to me, but I feel like it’s special to so many. The size and potential are incredible. If you were here tonight and saw the atmosphere… actually, one of my opponents came to me in the game and asked me if the atmosphere is always incredible like that, during the game, yeah.”
Gundogan didn’t reveal the name of the player in question but said it was evident that even the Reds enjoyed the atmosphere despite the defeat.
“You can see even for them it was incredible to play in front of that crowd. It’s something when you get that connection and the performance mirrors the people in the stand, you can get these special nights.”
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Injury problems, defensive issues and criticism
This is Liverpool’s second defeat in a row, totalling three defeats out of seven games this season. The Reds might also miss Alisson Becker and Hugo Ekitike, as both players went down in Turkey.
Their injuries are still under assessment, but Slot believes that Alisson is 100% out for the game against Chelsea. The Blues have their own problems, but still won 1-0 against Benfica thanks to an own goal by Richard Rios.
“Normally, he will not be able to play on Saturday. That’s 99.9 per cent – I’ve already said 100 per cent, but let’s make it 99.9, think it’s 100”, Slot told the media about Alisson’s injury.
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