Liverpool's Alisson Out vs Galatasaray
Liverpool's Alisson Becker is out for Champions League R16 vs. Galatasaray due to discomfort, with Giorgi Mamardashvili starting in goal instead. The goalkeeper change comes at a crucial knockout stage.
The decision to sideline Alisson is reportedly precautionary after the Brazilian felt "minor discomfort" in his hamstring following a training session. This isn't the first time the goalkeeper has dealt with hamstring problems, having missed 15 games in the 2023/24 season with a similar issue. Giorgi Mamardashvili's last start for the Reds was two months ago in an FA Cup fixture against Barnsley. However, he is familiar with this season's Champions League, having already appeared in four matches, including as a substitute for an injured Alisson in a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in September. The 25-year-old Georgian international was a high-profile summer signing from Valencia. While in La Liga, he set a club record with 69 consecutive league starts and his performances earned him a 7th place finish for the 2024 Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world's best goalkeeper. This marks the first time Liverpool and Galatasaray have met in a European knockout tie. The two clubs have faced each other five times previously in the tournament's group stages, with Galatasaray winning two, Liverpool one, and two ending in a draw. Galatasaray has a formidable home record in Europe, having lost only one of their last 10 matches at RAMS Park. Their manager, Okan Buruk, has a history with Liverpool, having scored for Galatasaray in a 3-2 victory against the Reds as a player back in 2006. Historically, Liverpool's win percentage in the Premier League without Alisson Becker has been .613.
