Galatasaray supporters have attempted to pull out all the usual stops when it comes to the night before a big game – but Liverpool were undisturbed by their firework display.
Videos circulated on social media on Tuesday morning of Galatasaray supporters setting off hundreds of fireworks outside Liverpool’s team hotel in Istanbul.
The scenes were far from unusual for home supporters on the night before a high-profile game, with it almost expected that fans attempt to disrupt their visitors’ preparations in any way they can.
THIS IS ISTANBUL. pic.twitter.com/YxCR7I3Frp
— Our Soul Gala (@OurSoul_Gala) September 30, 2025
But Sky Sports‘ Vinny O’Connor reports word from inside the Liverpool camp that their sleep was not disturbed by the display outside their hotel.
“The information given to me was that no one really had their sleep disturbed. No one was in any way peturbed by what went on last night,” he relayed.
“In fact one person I spoke to even said that they heard no fireworks at all!”
Liverpool can be expected to be ready for their clash with the Super Lig leaders, which kicks off at 10pm local time in Turkey.
Either way, with the scenes outside the hotel taking place at around 2am, there will have been ample time Arne Slot and his players to enjoy a lie in before their day began.
Slot is set to make a number of changes to his starting lineup for the trip to RAMS Park, with Hugo Ekitike one of those to come into the side.
Ekitike missed the 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace at the weekend through suspension but took pre-match media duties alongside the head coach on Monday evening.
Ekitike ready for the Champions League
“To say I knew I would perform like that, no – but that’s what I expected. I work for that,” he said when asked about his early form.
“Obviously I’m happy that it works and I just want to keep going and do even more for this team.
“When I first played [in the] Champions League with PSG I was young, I was on the bench, I was more watching.
“I would say now it’s my time being someone who can help the team to reach success [in the] Champions League and I’m very grateful for that. I will give 100 percent of myself.”