Victor Osimhen’s early penalty handed Galatasaray a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool, with late VAR drama denying the Reds a route back into Tuesday’s Champions League encounter at Rams Park.

The Nigerian striker showed composure from the spot in the 15th minute after Dominik Szoboszlai was adjudged to have tripped Baris Yilmaz inside the area. Osimhen’s strike, driven down the middle, just evaded Alisson’s reach to give the hosts the advantage.

Liverpool created chances in an electrifying opening phase, with Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo both going close—Gakpo’s effort was even cleared off the line by Ismail Jakobs.

Galatasaray, however, remained sharp, and Osimhen nearly doubled his tally after dispossessing Ibrahima Konate, only for Alisson to produce a crucial one-on-one save. The Brazilian goalkeeper, injured in the process, was later forced off.

Florian Wirtz tested Ugurcan Cakir as the visitors pushed for an equaliser, while Galatasaray continued to threaten through Yilmaz.

Controversy struck late on when referee Clement Turpin awarded Liverpool a penalty for a challenge by Wilfried Singo on Konate. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned, with replays showing no clear contact.

The result compounded Liverpool’s frustrations after their weekend defeat to Crystal Palace, leaving Arne Slot’s side still searching for momentum in Europe.