Liverpool’s defensive frailties were exposed once again from a set piece as Galatasaray took a 1-0 lead in the 7th minute of their Champions League round of 16 first-leg tie at RAMS Park.
The goal stemmed from an outswinging corner from the left, where Victor Osimhen rose highest at the far post to direct a powerful header goalwards.
Two Liverpool players positioned on the line hesitated, allowing Mario Lemina to nip in front of them and nod the ball home from close range, leaving goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with no chance.
The concession highlighted ongoing issues with marking and organisation on dead-ball situations, as Osimhen was afforded too much space to win the initial aerial duel unchallenged.
Lemina’s opportunistic finish capitalised on the indecision from the two defenders on the line, who appeared to wait for the ball rather than attacking it aggressively.
Fans and pundits have pointed to collective responsibility for the goal — poor tracking of Osimhen, lack of aggression in the box, and failure to clear the initial delivery
