Victor Osimhen was the difference on a thunderous Champions League night as Galatasaray handed Liverpool their second successive defeat.

The Nigerian forward struck from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after Dominik Szoboszlai fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz, punishing the Premier League champions in front of a deafening RAMS Park crowd.

The goal came seconds after Davinson Sanchez had denied Cody Gakpo with a clearance off the line, swinging the tide firmly Galatasaray’s way.

Slot’s gamble backfires as Reds toil

Liverpool coach Arne Slot chose to start without Mohamed Salah, hoping to spark a reaction after the weekend loss at Crystal Palace.

But the decision misfired, with Salah and Alexander Isak only introduced after the hour mark to little effect.

Alisson kept Liverpool in the contest with several big saves, including one from Osimhen, before limping off injured.

A late chance to level disappeared when Ibrahima Konate’s penalty claim was overturned by VAR, silencing brief celebrations.

Reds exposed under pressure

Liverpool once again looked fragile at the back, their expensively assembled attack failing to leave a mark.

Florian Wirtz was anonymous, while Hugo Ekitike added to the problems by departing injured.

The result leaves Slot’s side facing early questions in Europe despite sitting top of the Premier League.

They face Chelsea next in the Premier League this weekend.