Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Galatasaray was interrupted in the closing stages by a serious injury. Galatasaray winger Noah Lang required extensive medical treatment after getting his hand caught in an advertising board at the edge of the pitch.
The 26-year-old collapsed on the grass, blood gushing from what appeared to be a sizable cut, and clenching his fingers in excruciating pain. Medical workers rushed to his aid and he was eventually taken away on a stretcher with his hands over his head. TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist expressed concern for the Dutchman and was surprised by the amount of attention he received.
“I don’t know if one of the girls there was the photographer, but by the look on her face and her reaction, I could tell there was something seriously wrong,” McCoist said.
His thumb was bandaged and he was left pitchside for an extended period of time. ESPN claims he was taken to the hospital for further treatment.
When he left the pitch on a stretcher, Liverpool fans gave him a standing ovation and the home crowd, who were leading 4-0 at the time, was in a jubilant mood.
Lang’s side entered the second leg with a 1-0 lead, but suffered multiple injuries and were ultimately overwhelmed by their English opponents.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who scored one of Liverpool’s four goals, was asked after the match about comparisons to Steven Gerrard.
“It’s a great comparison,” he told TNT Sports. “I used to watch him play when I was a kid and now he wears number eight.
“It’s an incredible feeling and I think he’s an inspiration to us all. He’s a legend at the club and I can’t say enough about it. I’m happy to be playing for this club.”
After Salah missed a penalty in the first half, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenbirch and Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock on the eve of adding more goals.
