The second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 between Liverpool and Galatasaray will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 04:00 local time at Anfield. Liverpool will be seeking revenge after their narrow loss in the first leg.
Team News and Background
Liverpool
Liverpool won the Premier League last season comfortably but have struggled to maintain that form this campaign despite summer reinforcements. Currently, they are battling for a top-four finish rather than defending their title.
Under Arne Slot, Galatasaray have proven to be a tough opponent in Europe, and Liverpool’s main challenges have come against them and a heavy 1-4 home defeat to PSV. Otherwise, they have won six Champions League matches and only started the knockout phase in January.
Galatasaray
Galatasaray dominated domestically in 2024/25, claiming all Turkish trophies. However, Fenerbahçe has already taken the Super Cup this season and is competing strongly for the Super Lig title. In the Champions League, Galatasaray surprised many by finishing the group stage with three wins and ten points. In February, they defeated Juventus 5-2 away and later held Liverpool at bay, maintaining their advantage from Lemina’s early goal.
Head-to-Head Overview
The two clubs last met in the Champions League group stage in 2006, trading 3-2 home victories. Historical encounters suggest Liverpool are favorites, but Galatasaray have proven capable of scoring and defending well in Europe.
Key Statistics and Trends
Liverpool
Won 3 of the last 4 Champions League matches
Average goals scored at home: 2.22
Average goals conceded at home: 1.00
Galatasaray
Lost 4 of the last 7 matches
Average goals scored: 1.55
Average goals conceded: 1.55
Crown Index Analysis (Form, Strength & Momentum)
Metric | Liverpool | Galatasaray | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Overall form | 7/10 | 6/10 | Liverpool slightly ahead in consistency |
Attack efficiency | 8/10 | 7/10 | Salah and Ekitike lead the threat |
Defense solidity | 7/10 | 6/10 | Home advantage favors Liverpool |
Momentum | 7/10 | 6/10 | Galatasaray still dangerous in Europe |
Knockout experience | 8/10 | 6/10 | Liverpool more experienced in CL knockouts |
Probable Line-ups
Liverpool (1-4-2-3-1)
Mamardashvili – Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Gomez – Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch – Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah – Hugo Ekitike
Key absences: Alisson (doubtful); Endo, Leali, Bradley, Isak (out)
Galatasaray (1-4-2-3-1)
Ugurcan Çakır – Ismail Jakobs, Abdulkerim Bardakcı, Sánchez, Wilfried Singo – Mario Lemina, Lucas Torreira – Noa Lang, Gabriel Sara, Baris Alper Yilmaz – Victor Osimhen
Key absences: Büyük, Ünüya
Match Preview and Betting Insights
Liverpool are expected to dominate at Anfield and will look to overturn their first-leg deficit. Galatasaray will aim to defend their lead and counterattack efficiently. Considering Liverpool’s attacking strength and Galatasaray’s resilience, backing the visitors with a +2.0 Asian Handicap could be an interesting value bet. Crown index suggests Liverpool have the edge in attack and knockout experience, but Galatasaray remain a serious threat in Europe.
Recommended Betting Focus:
Match Outcome: Liverpool to win
Both Teams to Score: Likely
Asian Handicap Value: Galatasaray +2.0 at odds of 1.75
