Davinson relishing Liverpool test: “We’re completely focused”

The Champions League is entering its decisive stretch. With the playoff round behind us, the first legs of the Round of 16 kick off this week, as 16 clubs continue their push toward the final in Budapest this May. Galatasaray and Liverpool get the round underway in Istanbul in Tuesday’s early evening match.

The Turkish side, fresh off eliminating Juventus in the playoffs, will host the first leg. Facing them, will be Liverpool — a team dealing with a turbulent moment in England but one that still finished third in the league phase, earning a direct spot in the Last 16.

Ahead of the game, Galatasaray’s Colombian defender Davinson Sánchez spoke to the media and previewed the showdown with Liverpool. The 29‑year‑old didn’t hold back when describing the magnitude of the competition.

“We didn’t come here just to try — we came to show how hard we fight,” Sánchez said. “We’ve played good games. We’ve battled against teams that really tested us. We’re here to prove we want to stay at Galatasaray and in Turkey. Turkish football has grown a lot.”

Full motivated in the biggest club competition

He added that the team doesn’t need any extra motivation. “Playing a match two or three days ago doesn’t matter; we don’t need anything extra for this one. This is the Champions League — the biggest club tournament in the world. We’re fully focused. We don’t just want an advantage; we want to improve. We can get better on the road, too. As a team, we want to take a step forward, and that’s where our focus is.”

Sánchez also addressed the fact that he leads the entire Champions League in minutes played this season, totaling 930 minutes onfield. The Colombian has started every match for Galatasaray in the competition.

“Sometimes it’s not easy to manage, but you learn with experience,” he said. “It’s not just about being on the field — every action matters when you’re helping your club. It’s not about me. I’m grateful to my coach and my teammates; they make my job much easier.”

Throughout his career, he added, he has worked to build the right habits. “These Champions League numbers are great for my career, but I look beyond that. Just being out there and piling up minutes without helping the team means nothing. What matters most is that the team has confidence.”

When is Galatasaray vs Liverpool?

The first leg between Galatasaray and Liverpool will be played Tuesday, March 10 at 12:45 p.m. ET at RAMS Park. The return leg takes place next week, Wednesday 18, at Anfield.

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