Liverpool F.C. have received a major lift ahead of their UEFA Champions League last-16 showdown with Galatasaray, after UEFA ruled that the Turkish side will not be allowed to sell away tickets for the second leg at Anfield.
The Reds will first travel to Istanbul for the opening leg on March 10 before hosting the Süper Lig champions on Merseyside eight days later in what could be the decisive match of the tie.
Playing the return leg at Anfield was already considered a significant advantage for Arne Slot and his team, but the absence of travelling Galatasaray supporters is expected to further strengthen Liverpool’s home atmosphere. The development was reported by Dan Kilpatrick of The Athletic.
UEFA punishment means no Galatasaray fans at Anfield
According to The Athletic, UEFA’s action stems from crowd trouble during Galatasaray’s Champions League play-off victory over Juventus F.C..
The report noted that Galatasaray supporters will be absent from the away section at Anfield for the last-16 second leg after the club received a disciplinary sanction from UEFA.
The governing body imposed a one-match ban on away ticket sales after incidents involving objects being thrown, fireworks being lit and disturbances among the crowd during the match in Turin. The club was also fined €40,000.
Travelling fans reportedly set off flares and fireworks inside Allianz Stadium, while Italian reports claimed clashes occurred before the game involving home supporters and police. Galatasaray have since announced their intention to appeal the punishment.
Liverpool still face a tough task in Istanbul
Although the return leg may now favour Liverpool even more, their immediate focus is the first match in Istanbul.
Slot has already admitted the away fixture will be crucial, particularly after Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat there earlier in the season. The Dutch coach stressed his side must deliver a stronger performance than during their previous trip if they want to take control of the tie.
Progress in the Champions League has become increasingly important for Liverpool as their domestic form has dipped, leaving them fifth in the Premier League following a recent loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C..
That setback highlighted the difficulty of away fixtures, making the trip to Istanbul a key moment before the contest returns to Anfield.
With a potential quarter-final against either Paris Saint‑Germain F.C. or Chelsea F.C. awaiting the winner, the stakes surrounding Liverpool’s clash with Galatasaray are already extremely high.
