This is not the first time Liverpool has come to Istanbul to seek a miracle. However, this time it is not a final like 21 years ago, but a challenging confrontation with Galatasaray in the Champions League round of 16.
This match could be a turning point for The Kop's season, even affecting the future of coach Arne Slot, who is about to reach the milestone of 100 matches leading the team.
Liverpool actually experienced an unhappy memory in Istanbul this season. The 0-1 defeat to Galatasaray in September last year was the second defeat in a series of 9 defeats after only 12 matches, a period that seriously deviated their campaign. Although their current form has improved, the English team still faces many difficulties when replaying at Rams Park.
A significant loss is the absence of goalkeeper Alisson. The Brazilian goalkeeper had problems in the last training session before the match and will not be able to play.
He felt something was wrong at the end of the training session. After checking, we decided that Alisson was not fit enough to play, so we did not send him to Istanbul" - Slot said.
In that context, Giorgi Mamardashvili will start instead, and Freddie Woodman will sit on the bench.
Istanbul has always been a special city in Liverpool's history, where they once created a legendary comeback against AC Milan in 2005. However, The Kop's achievements in Turkey are not really impressive. In the next nine trips, they have only won one match - against Trabzonspor in the Europa League play-off round in 2010.
On Galatasaray's side, the Turkish team still has many potential dangers. Although they once let Juventus come back when they were only 10 men in the play-off, the 5-2 victory in the first leg also showed their formidable attacking power.
In attack, Victor Osimhen is the biggest threat to Liverpool's defense. The Nigerian striker has scored 11 goals in the Champions League this season. He is not only dangerous in finishing but also possesses the ability to hold the ball, make walls and create space for teammates.
We know how dangerous Osimhen is. But Galatasaray is not just about him" - Slot said.
In addition to professional factors, the atmosphere at Rams Park is also a significant challenge. The Dutch captain admitted that he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the audience during his previous visit here.
We have experienced that already. When you hold the ball, the whistling sound is extremely loud. That is very different" - he shared.
One of the big changes of Liverpool under Slot is that the pace of play is slower than under Jurgen Klopp. They hold the ball more but press less decisively. However, this approach sometimes makes Liverpool lack sharpness in attack, especially when many new players are still in the process of integration.
We control the ball a lot but haven't created enough chances. This is a common trend in modern football when teams defend very tightly" - Slot added.
Liverpool still has a chance in the FA Cup, where they will meet Manchester City in the quarter-finals, and continue the top 5 Premier League race to win a ticket to the Champions League next season. However, to avoid a season considered disappointing, The Kop needs to make real progress in the Champions League.
And that journey will begin with a challenging challenge in Istanbul.
