Liverpool manager Arne Slot has acknowledged that Victor Osimhen’s injury changed the course of their Champions League clash, as his side surged past Galatasaray to reach the quarter-finals.
The Premier League side turned on the style at Anfield, securing a 4-0 win on the night and progressing 4-1 on aggregate after a controlled and clinical display.
But the contest didn’t always look so one-sided.
Osimhen, leading the line for Galatasaray, caused early problems with his movement and physical presence.
The Nigerian forward looked sharp in the opening minutes and gave Liverpool’s backline plenty to think about before he was forced off at the break with an injury.
Speaking after the game, Slot admitted that moment proved pivotal.
“He’s such an important player for them. You could see in the first 10 minutes how much the team relies on him,” Slot said.
“Of course it helped us when he went off, but you never want to see that happen. He can create something out of nothing at any time.”
Without their focal point, Galatasaray struggled to maintain their attacking edge, and the balance of the game shifted firmly in Liverpool’s favour.
Slot also pointed to the first leg in Istanbul as a much tougher experience, where the atmosphere made things difficult for his players.
“Playing there was not easy because of the crowd. That kind of support can really lift a team,” he added.
“So getting through the tie the way we did is something we’re pleased with.”
With Osimhen no longer leading the attack, Liverpool grew into the game and took full control after the restart, finishing their chances with confidence to put the tie beyond doubt.
While Liverpool march on with momentum, attention now turns to the extent of Osimhen’s injury, with Galatasaray set to assess whether the striker faces time on the sidelines.
