Liverpool's UEFA Champions League campaign suffered another blow on Tuesday as Galatasaray secured a 1-0 victory at home, while Chelsea narrowly defeated Benfica in a tense clash marked by Jose Mourinho's emotional return to Stamford Bridge.
Victor Osimhen's 16th-minute penalty proved decisive in Istanbul, with Liverpool's late penalty appeal controversially overturned after a VAR review. The Reds also lost goalkeeper Alisson Becker to injury, compounding their struggles after a recent Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace.
Chelsea, meanwhile, capitalized on an 18th-minute own goal by Benfica's Richard Rios to secure a 1-0 win. The match saw late drama as substitute Joao Pedro received a red card in stoppage time, but Enzo Maresca's side held firm to claim three points.
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe stole headlines elsewhere with a hat-trick in Kazakhstan, while Tottenham Hotspur fought back to draw with Bodo/Glimt. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Marseille, and Inter Milan also recorded convincing victories in the league phase.
With Liverpool set to face Chelsea this weekend, both teams face mounting pressure to stabilize their domestic and European campaigns.
