Liverpool's return to Istanbul was soured by Galatasaray who edged past the former European champions with a 3-2 win in the final match of the UEFA Champions League group stage. The Reds' last visit to the Ataturk Stadium was in 2004 when they beat AC Milan in the final to win the UEFA Champions League title. Liverpool looked on their way to another victory when Robbie Fowler opened their account in the 22nd minute. Galatasary responded with a splendid treble. Necati Ates leveled the score two minutes letter and Okan Buruk grabbed the lead in the 28th minute before Sasa Ilic put the game out of reach with the third in the 79th minute. Fowler found the net once again with a 90th minute header.
Fowler netted a double for the Reds Despite the win Galatasaray finished their Group C in last place with 4 points while Liverpool held on to the group summit with 13 points. Elsewhere, Girondins Bordeaux proved their UEFA Cup berth was no fluke as they powered past PSV Eindhoven with a 3-1 win. Three goals before the break ensured Bordeaux's victory in Eindhoven. Julien Faubert, Stephane Dalmat and Jean-Claude Darcheville found the net with three spectacular goals past out-of-form PSV keeper Gomes. PSV defender Alex scored the consolation goal for the home side from a long range free-kick three minutes before the final whistle. PSV held on to second place with 10 points while Bordeaux increased their tally to 7 points.
