Liverpool fell to Galatasaray 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League tie at RAMS Park, and they are lucky not to have more of a goal deficit. The backline struggled defending crosses and set pieces, and while the Reds continually won the ball high up the pitch, they could not come away with the equaliser.
Here are the three top takeaways from the match.
Mamardashvili Impresses
The Georgian keeper made five big saves during the match, or Liverpool could have lost by multiple goals, making the Reds’ job that much harder during the return fixture at Anfield. He covered for the poor back-line play by controlling his box with diving stops and big punches. If Alisson’s injury is more serious than at first glance, then Liverpool are in safe hands with Mamardashvili.
Still Reason For Hope
While Galatasaray are tough at home in UCL play, they are equally as bad on the road. They have only won once in five tries, and that was at Ajax. In all, the Rams have given up 11 goals in those contests, so the Reds could easily win the tie outright or at least force extra time and advance on PKs on another special European night at Anfield.
Back Line Needs To Be Better
Liverpool have struggled in the back all season. Today was no different. They even left space open in front of goal on a few occasions. Fortunately, Oshimen and others missed those chances. According to Optastats, Liverpool are still a Top-3 team defensively according to XG’s and other advanced metrics, but it sure did not look like it to the naked eye today.
Even van Dijk, the consummate defender, struggled. As I said in my predicted lineup, Andy Robertson should have started. He played well in his time on the pitch, and if he had played for the full 90, who knows what the result would have been?
LFC Globe Verdict
This game was a microcosm of the entire season. Liverpool did not play particularly well, but there is still plenty to play for. The Reds have to put this one behind them quickly, as they have a big match with huge implications for their UCL chance for next season when they play Spurs on March 14th.
Have Your Say
Who is at fault here? Is it solely on the back line, or do the attackers share the blame? Should Arne Slot have started Robertson? Sound off below