On March 18, Liverpool host Galatasaray at Anfield for the second leg of their 2026 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matchup, scheduled for 4:00 PM ET. The tie resumes with the Turkish side holding a 1-0 aggregate advantage.
Arne Slot‘s team enter the decisive match needing a response and much of that responsibility falls on key players like Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, who have been identified as central figures.
On the other side, Galatasaray arrive with confidence not only because of their aggregate lead, but also due to the form of players like Victor Osimhen, one of the club’s most decisive attacking threats this season.
What happens if Liverpool beat Galatasaray today?
If Liverpool FC win against Galatasaray, they qualify only if they overturn the aggregate deficit and would face the winner of Paris Saint-Germain vs. Chelsea FC in the quarterfinals.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool looks on during a training session on March 17, 2026 (Source: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
After losing the first leg 1-0 in Istanbul, Liverpool must win by at least two goals at Anfield to advance directly. A 2-0, 3-1, or any victory by two or more goals would give them the edge on aggregate and complete the comeback.
If they win by exactly one goal—such as 1-0—the aggregate would be level, sending the tie to extra time and possibly penalties. With the away goals rule no longer in effect in the UEFA Champions League, only the total score matters.
Advancing would set up a high-profile quarterfinal matchup against either PSG or Chelsea, two of Europe’s most consistent contenders, adding another layer of difficulty for Liverpool if they complete the turnaround.
What happens if Liverpool and Galatasaray tie?
If Liverpool and Galatasaray draw, Galatasaray qualify for the quarterfinals. A draw in the second leg would preserve the 1-0 aggregate advantage from the first leg, sending the Turkish side through without the need for extra time.
There are no alternative outcomes here. Whether the draw is 0-0, 1-1, or higher-scoring, Galatasaray would still advance because they remain ahead on total goals. For Liverpool, this is effectively an elimination scenario.
What happens if Liverpool lose to Galatasaray today?
If Liverpool lose, they are eliminated and Galatasaray advance comfortably. Any defeat in the second leg would extend Okan Buruk team’s aggregate lead beyond the current 1-0 margin, confirming their superiority across both matches.
A loss would immediately end Liverpool’s run in the competition, with no second-leg recovery possible in the knockout format. It would also mark another early exit in Europe, increasing the pressure after an inconsistent campaign.
