Galatasaray fans optimistic ahead of Champions League crunch match with Liverpool

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Galatasary fans have travelled in numbers despite a ban on away fansGalatasaray fans have descended on Liverpool despite a ban on away fans at tonight's UEFA Champions League second-leg meeting with Liverpool at Anfield.Hundreds of Galatasaray fans are thought to have made the trip from Turkiye despite their club being banned from selling away tickets for one UEFA match, after a dad and daughter were reportedly injured by pyrotechnics thrown from the away end during the Istanbul side's play-off round second leg against Juventus in Turin.Some fans who spoke to the ECHO said they felt safe in Liverpool and were enjoying the welcoming atmosphere.ECHO reporters met Galatasaray fans who had travelled in Liverpool ONE around lunchtime today, Wednesday March 18. Many were optimistic about their team's progress in the tournament, and said they felt the ban was unfair.One fan told the ECHO: "The ban, I think, is not very fair.

I was also in Turin to support Galatasaray, I follow Galatasaray everywhere in the world."Galatasaray fans greeted their team's coach with flares and fireworks on its arrival at The Municipal Hotel & Spa on Dale Street last night (Monday 17).Galatasaray fans meet team coach in LiverpoolSupporters also told the ECHO they were enjoying their time in the city.One fan said: "For two days I'm here in Liverpool, and feeling the atmosphere as a Galatasaray fan, so we will never walk alone here."Another told the ECHO: "We're so excited here because we're so crowded here. They always attend, they really support."We feel so safe here because Liverpool fans are so welcoming, we don't have any problem as well."Score predictions were confident of Galatasaray's progress, with two supporters predicting a 2-1 win for the Turkish side.

Another was less confident, but still felt his side would progress.One fan told the ECHO: "I think we are gonna see extra time during the game, and Liverpool are gonna win 2-1. I think Liverpool 2-1 Galatasaray and we're gonna see extra time and maybe penalties."For the goalscorers, names including Wilfried Singo, Baris Alper Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara were suggested, but there was one clear frontrunner for most.One fan said, simply: "Osimhen, of course."