Lemina’s goal secures slender first-leg lead for Galatasaray over Liverpool

Liverpool suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie at RAMS Park on Tuesday.

Florian Wirtz could’ve opened the scoring inside two minutes after he latched onto a loose pass from Mario Lemina, but he fired his first-time effort wide.

Lemina put the home side ahead after Victor Osimhen flicked a corner into his path.

Osimhen almost doubled the hosts’ lead after he latched onto Ismail Jakobs’ cross, but he headed just wide of the right post.

Ibrahima Konate tried his luck from distance at the other end, but his effort flew just over the bar.

Osimhen had two attempts float wide before Giorgi Mamardashvili kept out Davinson Sanchez’s header as the hosts searched for a second goal.

The Reds could’ve drawn level after Milos Kerkez found Wirtz, but Ugurcan Cakir saved his effort.

Alexis Mac Allister squandered a glorious opportunity to restore parity for the visitors after the break, but he dragged his effort wide from the edge of the area.

Osimhen thought he had doubled the Lions’ advantage when he tucked home the ball after scrappy defending from Konate, but he was denied by the offside flag.

Hugo Ekitike was presented with the visitors’ best chance of the evening after he intercepted a pass to race through on goal, but Cakir thwarted him.

Liverpool thought they had drawn level after a scrappy goal from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for handball by Konate in the build-up.

The hosts absorbed the Reds’ late pressure and held on to the win.

The return leg will take place next Wednesday at Anfield, and Liverpool will be keen on overturning the deficit.