Liverpool’s bright start to the 2025/26 campaign has suddenly been clouded by back-to-back defeats that have left supporters uneasy and critics sharpening their voices. Days after falling short in the Premier League against Crystal Palace, the Reds suffered another setback in Europe, undone 1-0 by Galatasaray in Istanbul in the Champions League.
The trip to Selhurst Park had already exposed cracks in Arne Slot’s side, with Palace snatching a surprise win that ended Liverpool’s unbeaten domestic run. A sluggish display in midfield and lapses in concentration at the back gave the hosts just enough of a foothold to punish the reigning champions. The shock result trimmed Liverpool’s lead in the Premier League standings and handed rivals an opening in the title race.
But if that defeat was a warning, Istanbul turned it into a full-blown concern. Against Galatasaray, Liverpool were undone by a single moment—Victor Osimhen’s first-half penalty after Dominik Szoboszlai was judged to have fouled Barış Alper Yılmaz. Despite pushing for an equaliser and even being awarded a late spot-kick that was ultimately overturned by VAR, the Reds left the pitch empty-handed. Injury woes made matters worse, with Alisson Becker forced off and Hugo Ekitiké limping out, further stretching the squad at a critical stage.
The consecutive losses mark the first time under Slot that Liverpool have faltered in two straight matches, raising questions about fatigue, balance, and the readiness of high-profile summer signings to gel with the squad. Mohamed Salah has looked isolated, while the defensive line has been far less assured than in recent campaigns.
Virgil van Dijk has urged supporters not to panic, insisting that the squad still has the quality to respond, but the timing of these defeats could hardly be worse. With Champions League group games against heavyweights still to come and a string of difficult Premier League fixtures looming, Liverpool must rediscover their resilience quickly or risk seeing early-season promise unravel.