Liverpool have received a major boost ahead of their Champions League last-16 meeting with Galatasaray after UEFA ruled the Turkish side cannot sell away tickets for the second leg at Anfield.
The Reds head to Istanbul for the first leg on March 10 before hosting the Super Lig champions on Merseyside eight days later in what could be a pivotal night in the tie.
Having the return leg at Anfield was already viewed as an advantage for Liverpool FC, but the absence of travelling Galatasaray supporters now swings the atmosphere even further in the hosts’ favour.
The sanction was first reported by The Athletic journalist Dan Kilpatrick.
UEFA sanction leaves Galatasaray without Anfield support
According to The Athletic, UEFA’s ruling follows crowd trouble during Galatasaray’s Champions League play-off win over Juventus.
The report noted: “There will be no Galatasaray supporters in the Anfield away end for the Champions League last-16 decider against Liverpool after the Turkish club was hit with a UEFA sanction.”
UEFA banned the Turkish side from selling away tickets for one match after incidents involving “throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and crowd disturbances” during the game in Turin. The governing body also fined the club €40,000 as part of the punishment.
Kilpatrick added that visiting fans set off flares and fireworks inside the Allianz Stadium, while Italian media reported clashes before kick-off involving home supporters and police. Galatasaray have since confirmed their intention to appeal the decision.
Liverpool face huge Istanbul test before Anfield return
While the second-leg atmosphere may now favour Liverpool even more strongly, the immediate focus remains the trip to Istanbul.
Head coach Arne Slot has already stressed the importance of the away leg after Liverpool previously suffered a 1-0 defeat when visiting the Turkish champions earlier this season. The Dutchman admitted his side must “perform better than the last time we were in Istanbul” if they are to seize control of the knockout tie.
The Champions League has taken on added significance for Liverpool as domestic form has dipped, with the Reds currently fifth in the Premier League following their recent loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That setback highlighted the dangers of difficult away fixtures, making the upcoming trip to Istanbul especially crucial before the tie returns to Anfield. With a potential quarter-final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea FC awaiting the winner, the stakes surrounding Liverpool’s clash with Galatasaray are already sky-high.
