Looking to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2012-13, Galatasaray play host to Liverpool at Rams Park for a second time this season as both sides face off in the last-16 first leg on Tuesday.
The pair faced off on matchday two of the league phase, with the Turkish giants snatching a 1-0 victory over their Merseyside visitors, and will aim to make home advantage count once more in a bid to seize control of this tie.
Our Galatasaray vs Liverpool prediction provides a clear outlook on the contest, alongside additional Champions League betting tips.
Contents
Galatasaray vs Liverpool: Istanbul set for another fiery European night
Key stats:
- There have been three or more goals scored in eight of Galatasaray’s last 10 matches across all competitions.
- Liverpool have won eight of their last 12 first-leg matches (D1, L3) in the Champions League round of 16.
- There has been no draw recorded in Liverpool’s last 29 Champions League matches (W21, L8).
- Six of Liverpool’s eight league-phase games in this UCL campaign produced over 9.5 corners.
Correct score prediction: Galatasaray 1–2 Liverpool
In truth, Galatasaray are very difficult to beat in Istanbul, highlighted by the fact that the Turkish champions have lost only one of their last 10 home European matches (W6, D3); the Lions even recorded a 1-0 victory when they hosted Liverpool in the league phase.
While we expect another tough night for Liverpool in Tuesday’s encounter, the Merseyside Reds’ pedigree in this competition could prove decisive, having won the away leg in nine of their last 12 round-of-16 ties (L3).
That said, Arne Slot’s side have some momentum to rely on, recording victories in five of their last six outings and scoring multiple goals in three of those wins, though they have not been particularly tight at the back.
Liverpool have both scored and conceded in each of their last three outings across all competitions, which further supports our prediction of a 2-1 result.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Hosts priced too low?
- HOME: 31/10 (4.10) – 24.4%
- DRAW: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
- AWAY: 3/4 (1.75) – 57.1%
*Odds from Bet365, subject to change
The above odds support Liverpool as the favourites, with the Premier League champions given a 57.1% probability of securing victory, which is more than twice the possibility of Galatasaray at 24.4%.
While the Reds appear favourites considering their pedigree, the fact that they have struggled on Turkish soil — losing five of their previous seven such games in European competitions — suggests the task will not be straightforward.
Galatasaray have been victorious the last two times they hosted this fixture in the Champions League, suggesting they also have a good chance of a result, making their probability from the bookmakers appear somewhat low.
Our hot tip — over 9.5 corners — offers value at 5/6 (1.83).
Best bookie to bet on Galatasaray vs Liverpool – bet365
If you’re looking for the best bookie to bet on this game, bet365 is a great choice. They have a huge selection of markets and highly competitive odds for football matches.
Furthermore, you can claim a special welcome offer if you use our promo code to sign up at bet365 and get £30 in Free Bets once you place your first bet of at least £10.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.
Most recent H2H: Galatasaray hold the edge
Across the previous five Champions League meetings between the two sides, Galatasaray have won twice (D2, L1), with both victories coming at Rams Park, including that 1-0 success in the league phase earlier this season.
UEFA Champions League 30/09/25
Galatasaray
Liverpool
Galatasaray preview: Turkish champions thriving on home momentum
Galatasaray are currently participating in their 19th campaign in the Champions League proper but are reaching the competition’s last 16 for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
Cimbom's progress to this stage came through the indirect route, finishing 20th in the league phase before emerging 6-5 winners over Juventus in the playoffs, having secured a commanding 5-2 victory in the first leg in Istanbul.
Okan Buruk’s men enter this encounter with strong momentum, winning each of their last three matches, including a hard-fought 1-0 triumph in Saturday’s Istanbul derby away at Besiktas thanks to Victor Osimhen’s 39th-minute strike.
Galatasaray had to hold firm despite going a man down after Leroy Sane’s second-half dismissal. However, that suspension does not carry over to European competition, meaning the German winger is expected to feature on Tuesday.
The Turkish champions do, however, have several players walking a disciplinary tightrope, with Davinson Sanchez, Roland Sallai, Ugurcan Cakir, Abdulkerim Bardakci and Osimhen all one booking away from suspension.
Meanwhile, Metehan Baltaci remains banned for his involvement in a betting scandal, while young defender Arda Unyay continues his recovery from injury.
Predicted XI: Cakir (GK), Boey, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs, Torreira, Lemina, Sane, Gabriel Sara, Yilmaz & Osimhen
Galatasaray’s last five results
- 08/03/26: Besiktas 0–1 Galatasaray (Super Lig)
- 04/03/26: Alanyaspor 1–2 Galatasaray (Turkish Cup)
- 01/03/26: Galatasaray 3–1 Alanyaspor (Super Lig)
- 26/02/26: Juventus 3–0 Galatasaray (Champions League)
- 22/02/26: Konyaspor 2–0 Galatasaray (Super Lig)
Liverpool preview: Reds aiming to avoid another last-16 exit
Liverpool gained direct entry into the Champions League last 16 after finishing third in the league phase standings and will aim to avoid another exit at this stage following their elimination at the hands of eventual winner Paris Saint-Germain last term.
The Merseyside Reds have endured a rollercoaster season, particularly after struggling to defend their Premier League title. However, they enter this encounter with some momentum, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals, just three days after losing to the same opponents in the league.
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was forced off last time out, but Slot’s update suggests the Argentine could still be available on Tuesday.
Conor Bradley (knee), Alexander Isak (broken leg), Giovanni Leoni (knee), Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring) and Wataru Endo (ankle) are all sidelined for the trip to Istanbul.
Predicted XI: Alisson (GK), Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo & Ekitike
Liverpool’s last five results
- 07/03/26: Wolves 1–3 Liverpool (FA Cup)
- 04/03/26: Wolves 2–1 Liverpool (Premier League)
- 28/02/26: Liverpool 5–2 West Ham (Premier League)
- 22/02/26: Nottingham Forest 0–1 Liverpool (Premier League)
- 15/02/26: Liverpool 3–0 Brighton (FA Cup)
Player to watch: Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has already netted 49 goals in the Champions League and could become the first African to reach 50 on Tuesday.
The Egyptian forward has scored in back-to-back matches heading into this clash and will be confident of extending his run.