Lemina admits Galatasaray FC didn’t reach Liverpool FC level

Gabon national team striker Mario Lemina has admitted that the bridge was too far for Galatasaray FC to cross against Liverpool on Tuesday.

The African star said this in a reaction to the Turkish Premier League team’s exit from the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match after suffering a humiliating 4-0 loss to the Premier League champions at Anfield.

🗣️Mario Lemina, L’Equipe’e konuştu:

“Şampiyonlar Ligi’nde en çok aç olan takımız. Avrupa’da en iyi atmosfer bizde. Kimseden eksiği olmayan, son derece rekabetçi olduğumuzu göstermek istiyoruz.” pic.twitter.com/RVh3nivODG

— Nefes Gazete Spor (@GazeteNefesSpor) March 18, 2026

In a post-match reaction via his club’s website, Lemina admitted that the gulf in class between Galatasaray FC and Liverpool was huge.

Lemina admits gulf in class between Galatasaray and Liverpool

“We have to be honest: they were purpose-driven,” he said. “They gave everything to win. It was clear that they were working and ready. Unfortunately, we could not reach that level.”

“Of course, we are very sorry for both Osi and Noa. We have come this far by fighting hard. We lost to a good team. We want to go further. That’s why we are very sorry.” he said.

Lemina and Galatasaray FC heartbreak

Lemina added that Galatasaray FC had high expectations of progressing to the quarter final stage of the Champions League, but all ended in disappointment.

“We dreamed of going further. We built a very good team this year. We played a lot of matches in the league and cup. We fought where Liverpool is more accustomed. On the one hand, I am proud of the team. On the other hand, we are very sorry,” he added.

Earlier, the Turkish Super League club’s manager Okan Buruk confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen suffered a right arm injury during the Champions League match against Liverpool FC.

The towering forward was withdrawn in the 46th minute for Leroy Sane as Galatasaray went on to suffer a 4-0 humiliating defeat at Anfield.