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New observatory in North Yorkshire to open for Dark Skies

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New observatory in North Yorkshire to open for Dark Skies

The Dark Skies Station, based at Danby Lodge National Park Centre in North Yorkshire, will be opened by the North York Moors National Park Authority as a permanent facility dedicated to astronomy and space science.

It aims to broaden public access to the National Park’s internationally recognised dark skies through year-round education and stargazing sessions.

The Dark Skies Station (Image: Olivia Brabbs)

John McCue, a founder member of the Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society and associate lecturer with the Open University, said: “This observatory represents a significant step forward in how people can experience and understand the night sky above the North York Moors.

“It allows us to offer high-quality, inclusive observing experiences in a place where darkness is still something truly special, opening up views of planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies to people of all ages and abilities.”

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The facility features a large, state-of-the-art telescope housed in a retractable-roof observatory, designed for both visual observation and astrophotography.

The Dark Skies Station (Image: Olivia Brabbs)

With a focus on accessibility, the telescope includes adjustable viewing positions suitable for children, wheelchair users, and visitors with other access needs.

The accessible, timber building also includes a warm room for up to 30 people, where talks and hands-on learning can take place.

A compact smart telescope inside the room captures digital images of celestial objects, which visitors can download as mementoes of their visit.

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The site also includes an interactive exhibition, Discover the Universe, which explains basic astronomy concepts through tactile and audio-visual displays.

Outdoor observing area is available for larger groups to gather under the open sky.

The Dark Skies Station will open as part of the North York Moors’ 2026 Dark Skies Festival, and will host public drop-in sessions on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15 from 11am to 4pm.

Visitors are invited to explore the new facility and hear directly from those involved in the project.

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One-hour sessions titled What’s Up in the Night Sky will be held at 11am and 2pm on both days.

Environmental sustainability has been a key focus in the design and construction of the building, which uses FSC-certified timber, UK-made insulation from carbon-neutral suppliers, and roof tiles containing a high proportion of recycled material.

Solar panels and an air-source heat pump provide renewable energy, with surplus electricity helping to power the Danby Lodge site.

Funding for the project came from multiple sources, including the Wolfson Foundation and a legacy donation.

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The facility will support a year-round programme of public observing sessions, community outreach, and educational events.

The North York Moors was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2020 in recognition of its efforts to reduce light pollution and protect the natural nightscape.

For more information about the Dark Skies Festival and the full schedule of events, visit darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk.

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Teen girl jumps from Spanish hotel balcony after ‘knife point sexual assault’

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Daily Record

The incident happened in Costa del Sol in a room at a resort in Torremolinos, Spain

A teenage girl escaped an alleged sexual assault in a hotel room by leaping from the balcony.

The horrifying incident happened in Costa del Sol in a room at a resort in Torremolinos, Spain. Daily Star reports the 14-year-old girl is believed to have been drugged and sexually assaulted by three young men in the room.

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On Saturday morning (March 14) she was held captive before making a brave attempt to escape, climbing from the terrace to an adjacent balcony according to police.

This occurring just hours after her concerned family reported her missing when she failed to return. A hotel employee is said to have heard the girl’s cries for help and promptly alerted emergency services, prompting a swift police response.

The Spanish Eye reported that one individual has been arrested on suspicion of unlawful detention, issuing serious threats, sexual assault and drug offences, after allegedly threatening the girl with a knife and assaulting her.

Two others, including a minor, were arrested on suspicion of unlawful detention and public health offences, according to local reports. It’s alleged that the victim was coerced into taking drugs prior to the attack.

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The nationalities of those involved have not been disclosed and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. This comes after a “wolf pack” targeted and raped a British teenager at a Magaluf hotel.

A group of seven French men and one Swiss man accepted prison sentences which added up to over 73 years for the horror crime. The men agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors in Spain just days before a trial into the gang rape of an 18-year-old British girl at the BH Mallorca, in the summer of 2023.

These horror men faced being jailed for up to 150 years if they were convicted at trial. This plea included the men admit to the horror crimes they committed at the Spanish hotel.

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ITV doctor says worrying rise in liver problem in UK ‘not down to alcohol’

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Daily Mirror

Dr Amir Khan who appears on ITV’s This Morning said one type of food was causing mayhem

A TV doctor has highlighted a worrying rise in people with liver issues – and it’s not down to alcohol. Dr Amir Khan who appears on ITV’s This Morning and Lorraine regularly explained in a new post on Instagram that his surgery is seeing a rise – and it’s all down to diet.

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He said: “We are seeing so many people with non alcoholic fatty liver disease – and lots of people think it’s related to fats but it’s sugar.”

Dr Khan explained that people constantly snacking on sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates such as crisps was causing the problem. He said: ”Did you know your blood sugar and your liver are basically best friends? But sometimes that friendship can turn toxic. So here’s what’s going on:

“Every time your blood sugar rises, your body releases insulin. Insulin’s job is to move sugar out of your blood and into your cells. But if your blood sugar is high all the time – lots of sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, snacking all day long – your body stops responding to insulin properly. That’s what we call insulin resistance.

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“Now here’s where the liver comes in. Your liver starts taking all that extra sugar and actually turns it into fat. This process is called de novo lipogenesis. Literally, it means “making new fat.” At the same time, insulin is telling your body not to burn fat, so even more fat ends up getting delivered to the liver. And slowly, fat starts building up inside of your liver cells. Over time, that can lead to inflammation, damage, and a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. And most people don’t even know they’ve got it.”

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Dr Khan emphasised that having been diagnosed with this a person didn’t have to despair – because it can be sorted out. He said: “But here’s the good news: this is often reversible. If you’ve got fatty liver, here’s what can actually help. Now I know this is hard, but I’ve gotta say it:

“Firstly, losing just 5-10% of your body weight can significantly reduce liver fat. Secondly, move your body every single day. Even if it’s a brisk walk, it improves how your body handles sugar.

“Thirdly, cut back on added sugars and ultra-processed carbohydrates, especially things high in fructose, like fizzy drinks. Focus instead on whole foods, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They help keep your blood sugar steady.”

Not drinking too much is also important because the liver is in need of help, he added: “Limit your alcohol, because your liver is already under pressure. Why put it under more? And don’t forget sleep. Poor sleep makes insulin resistance worse.

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“Honestly, I like to think of it like this: if you look after your blood sugar, you look after your liver. And the amazing thing is, your liver is so forgiving if you give it a chance.”

The NHS says: “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition where fat builds up in your liver. It’s often linked to being overweight and can usually be treated with healthy lifestyle changes.”

Symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease does not usually cause any symptoms.

Many people have it without realising. It’s usually found when you have tests for another reason.

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Some people have symptoms including:

  • feeling very tired
  • feeling generally unwell
  • liver pain or discomfort, which is felt in your tummy (abdomen) under the right side of your ribs

Who is more likely to get non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is very common.

You’re more likely to get it if you:

  • are overweight, particularly if you have a lot of fat around your stomach and waist
  • do not have a healthy diet or are not very physically active
  • have type 2 diabetes
  • have polycystic ovary syndrome
  • have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • are over 50

For more information visit the NHS website here.

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The humiliating Newcastle blunders that gifted Barcelona victory

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The humiliating Newcastle blunders that gifted Barcelona victory

Barcelona: Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Gerard, Joao Cancelo, Bernal, Gonzalez, Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha, Lewandowski. 

Subs: Szczesny, Kochen, Araujo, Gavi, Torres, Rashford, Casado, Olmo, Cortes, Espart, Marques, Bardghji. 

Newcastle: Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton, Elanga, Gordon, Barnes. 

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Subs: Pope, Ruddy, Harris, Botman, Wissa, Osula, Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Woltemade, Willock, Alex Murphy, Neave. 

Referee: Francois Letexier (France)

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Szoboszlai is the new Gerrard as Liverpool thrash Galatasaray in Champions League

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Szoboszlai is the new Gerrard as Liverpool thrash Galatasaray in Champions League

After You’ll Never Walk Alone is belted out by the Anfield faithful, the two sides emerge and we are approaching kick-off. It is an Anfield solely packed with Liverpool fans with no Galatasaray fans allowed in tonight. Safe to say the Uefa anthem is resoundly booed by those inside Anfield. Here is a reminder of the two sides tonight:

Liverpool: Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Robertson, Nyoni, Nallo, Morrison, Jones, Ngumoha, Chiesa, Gakpo.

Galatasaray: Ugurcan, Boey, Singo, Bardakci, Jakobs, Torreira, Lemina, Yilmaz, Sara, Sallai, Osimhen.
Substitutes: Guvenc, Sen, Icardi, Sane, Akgun, Elmali, Gundogan, Kutucu, Asprilla, Ayhan, Gurpuz, Lang.

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Ed Miliband calls for fairness in business energy contracts amid Iran crisis

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Ed Miliband calls for fairness in business energy contracts amid Iran crisis

“To ensure we do not see unfair practices continuing, in the upcoming Energy Independence Bill we will be bringing in new regulation of third-party intermediaries, such as energy brokers and price comparison websites, as a further measure to protect small businesses from harmful practices like mis-selling and untransparent pricing.

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Pritzker condemns AIPAC after pro-Israel group spent heavily in Illinois’ contested primaries

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Pritzker condemns AIPAC after pro-Israel group spent heavily in Illinois' contested primaries

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday condemned special interest money that poured into the state ahead of this week’s primary, including from a pro-Israel political group that the billionaire and potential 2028 presidential contender once supported.

Pritzker, a Jewish Democrat who also spent money to influence races Tuesday, was a donor to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee before he walked away more than a decade ago. He told The Associated Press on Wednesday that AIPAC, which lobbies for U.S. support for Israel and is a top donor to political campaigns, lost its way as a bipartisan group focused on Middle East peace.

“It became an organization that was supporting Donald Trump and people who follow Donald Trump,” Pritzker said. “AIPAC really is not an organization that I think today I would want any part of.”

Outside groups, including AIPAC, funneled roughly $70 million into six open U.S. House and Senate races in Illinois on Tuesday. Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, called it “interference.”

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A message left Wednesday for an AIPAC spokesperson wasn’t immediately returned.

Outside groups influence campaign issues

The open contests in Illinois — largely due to retirements — were a proving ground for some of the biggest issues before Democrats in 2026, from support for Israel to the cryptocurrency and AI industries, as super PACs poured millions into the races. Questions about U.S. involvement in the Israel-Hamas war, and in recent days the Iran war, permeated several contests.

AIPAC’s involvement sparked some of the primary’s harshest attacks, but the group’s success was mixed. In a 10-candidate primary for a U.S. House district that includes parts of Chicago’s South Side, AIPAC backed Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, who won the Democratic nod Tuesday. The group’s preferred Democratic candidate in a heavily Jewish district north of Chicago, however, lost to Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss.

While unopposed in his own primary, Pritzker was a strong presence in several campaigns, contributing millions to support his lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton, in her successful bid for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination.

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The move, and Pritzker’s possible 2028 presidential bid, put a fresh spotlight on his global policy views amid growing unrest over the Democratic Party’s relationship to Israel.

A supporter of Israel, Pritzker has also rejected the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has called for two-state solution with “safe havens” needed both for Jews in Israel and Palestinians in Gaza.

“I do not know why the United States has walked away from that, except, of course, that Donald Trump doesn’t seem to understand how to create Middle East peace and instead wants to go to war, as he has now done in Iran, simply following Netanyahu into that war,” Pritzker said.

“Are we going to now take military adventures across the world to take out leaders, who we think are bad for their countries?” he said. “If so, we’re going to be involved in a whole lot of wars going forward.”

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Millions into races from Pritzker, outside groups

Pritzker himself put at least $5 million into helping Stratton get elected. She won the Democratic Senate nomination over U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who dominated in fundraising.

Outside groups also spent more than $16 million to support Stratton’s campaign, while also spending $11 million in opposition.

Pritzker said Stratton won because she was strong on issues, not because of his influence.

“She stood on her own two feet, and people saw that she’s real and she’s going to be a fighter for us in Washington,” Pritzker said.

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Some voters disagreed.

Matthew Crain, 54, who is from downstate Chatham, said Pritzker’s endorsement influenced him to change his vote from Krishnamoorthi to Stratton.

Crain, a state worker, said that given the potential of Pritzker running for president, “I thought having one of his allies in would be a good thing.”

Brooke Morgan, 39, from Springfield, said she became familiar with Stratton’s politics over her last seven years as lieutenant governor.

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“The governor is doing a pretty good job in Illinois, and I think that his backing, his support of her certainly gave me some confidence as well,” said Morgan, a museum curator.

Eyes on November

In November, Pritzker faces Republican Darren Bailey, a former state lawmaker who backs Trump’s agenda. It will be a rematch after Pritzker handily defeated Bailey in 2022.

In a campaign speech to supporters Tuesday, Bailey, who received Trump’s endorsement four years ago, said he doesn’t agree with the president on everything and vowed to include Democrats who feel left out.

Meanwhile in a campaign ad posted Wednesday, Pritzker’s team characterized Bailey as “still too extreme for Illinois.”

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When asked about his own ambitions for higher office, Pritzker said he is not planning anything beyond his 2026 bid for a third term.

“That is not something I’m thinking,” he said.

___

Associated Press writer John O’Connor in Springfield, Illinois, contributed to this report.

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Labour migrant plans under scrutiny and Iran gas field targeted

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Labour migrant plans under scrutiny and Iran gas field targeted
The headline on the front page of the Guardian reads: "'A dangerous escalation': Israel strikes world's largest gasfield."

Israeli strikes on a gas field, which the UAE has described as a “dangerous escalation” in the US-Israel war with Iran, is the main focus of the Guardian. The South Pars site in the Gulf is shared between Iran and Qatar, and is “the world’s largest natural gas field”, the paper reports.

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Spurs go down fighting to raise hopes ahead of Forest death-match

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Spurs go down fighting to raise hopes ahead of Forest death-match

This could be a strange match with an empty feeling around it. The priority for Tottenham Hotspur is Premier League survival and Nottingham Forest’s visit on Sunday is of greater importance than this game.

Given the 5-2 deficit after the Kinsky horror show in the first leg, the Europa League champions will need a three-goal winning margin just to take the tie to extra-time.

“Difficult, but not impossible,” was manager Igor Tudor’s assessment of the task in hand. The Croatian remains confident that they will stay up.

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Funnily enough, Tottenham have won all four of their home Champions League matches this season with an aggregate score of 10-0. Still, given their form, it feels like this is one for Saint Jude, the patron saint of lost causes.

They cannot quite afford to give up this Champions League round of 16 second leg as a hopeless task, rest all key players and hope for a creditable performance.

The Opta supercomputer gives the home side a marginally better chance of winning tonight than their opponents and there was encouraging fight shown in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Sunday. A little momentum and a win at home could go a long way.

Micky van de Ven is back from suspension and called reports that players had switched off or were focusing on next season “the biggest nonsense” yesterday.

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They are missing some key players: target-man Richarlison is out with a one-match suspension, Conor Gallagher and Dominic Solanke are injury doubts. Cristian Romero ought to be back in the team, but João Palinha has been ruled out.

Atlético Madrid’s stalwart goalkeeper Jan Oblak is out with a muscular problem, so Juan Musso will deputise.

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is at 8pm GMT. Line-ups coming shortly.

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Songs halted at Renee Rapp gig at AO arena as fans need medical assistance

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Manchester Evening News

Security responded quickly and Rapp was quick to stop songs and speeches to ensure that fans were okay

Multiple fans were recovered from the crowd due to medical concerns at the AO Arena this evening (Wednesday, March 18).

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US pop star Renee Rapp was performing at the arena this evening and had to stop the performance multiple times whilst security helped those in the crowd.

Security responded quickly and Rapp was quick to stop songs and speeches to ensure that fans were okay.

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Around nine people in the crowd were attended to throughout the concert. The song I think I like You Better was halted as fans waved their touches around in the crowd to signal for medical help and during this period another two groups of fans also secured security to attend.

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Then again, just one song later, Tummy Hurts was also stopped due to concerns for the crowd. The numbers of incidents increased as the night went on.

Rapp asked those at the back to take a step back to make room for those at the front as they were more often the ones who required attention. She often requested for the house lights to be brought up so that security could better reach fans.

During one part of the concert, the song Not My Fault, is always interrupted as part of a gag Rapp does with the audience to switch to play a different song. However tonight that did not run as smoothly as other nights as Rapp had to stop again for fans who needed help.

Rapp reassured the crowd the security were coming saying: ‘They are right here and ready to help you’.

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How Mohamed Salah and a tactical tweak breathed life back into Liverpool’s campaign in Champions League win over Galatasaray

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How Mohamed Salah and a tactical tweak breathed life back into Liverpool’s campaign in Champions League win over Galatasaray

There may not be too many ways in which this season is better than last for Liverpool but Arne Slot can at least point to a significant one. Liverpool have gone further in the Champions League, and this was progress in more ways than one.

A quarter-final was booked in emphatic and entertaining fashion. The boos that greeted the final whistle against Tottenham on Sunday were replaced by cheers, the lethargy with which Liverpool have played too often giving way to an energy and intensity. This was frenzied and fast, players and crowd feeding off each other. “There was a great dynamic between the players and fans,” said Slot. “Almost a perfect game.”

For him, it was a response when the scrutiny upon him had heightened. The Dutchman switched tactics, to something of a 4-4-2, and the team changed tack. This was much better. This was one of their best displays of the campaign. It was so good it was almost unrepeatable, Slot argued. “Because 5.02 xG on a Champions League night, conceding 0.18 xG, that is not going to be easy to copy,” he said.

Mohamed Salah curled home a fine goal

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Mohamed Salah curled home a fine goal (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

If it was like the Liverpool of old, what could have shaped up as further evidence of Mohamed Salah’s decline instead became a cathartic evening for him. His was a throwback performance. His was a throwback performance. At half-time, when Liverpool’s dominance was not reflected by a one-goal lead, there was the possibility Salah’s missed penalty would cost them. This threatened to be his last European game for Liverpool until he had a part in three goals in 11 minutes, capped gloriously. “He scored a trademark goal that he has scored so many times in this stadium and for this club, cutting inside, finding the corner,” said Slot, who was delighted with Salah’s response to a setback. “It says a lot about his mental strength.”

Galatasaray were overwhelmed, Liverpool’s defeat in Istanbul last week rendered irrelevant amid a blur of 32 shots, 16 of them on target. The catalyst for the turnaround, perhaps inevitably, was Dominik Szoboszlai, who added to his collection of terrific goals and who, as he often does, broke the deadlock.

If Galatasaray had a gameplan for holding on to their first-leg lead beyond timewasting, it was not visible. It got Slot more animated. “It is not something I can do anything about except running around like a lunatic,” he said afterwards. The running was not confined to his team.

They had started at pace, and got a reward. Liverpool had conceded to Galatasaray’s set-pieces twice in Istanbul this season. They scored from one on Merseyside. It was beautifully worked, Alexis Mac Allister disguising a low corner and Szoboszlai delivering a first-time, left-footed finish from 15 yards. The routine was so expertly planned in that it ended up with the man who had the technique to provide the finish. It was, remarkably, Szoboszlai’s fifth Champions League goal of the season, to add to four assists. His name echoed around Anfield; the fans he had criticised for leaving early on Sunday recognise he has become a talisman.

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Dominik Szoboszlai has become a talisman for Liverpool

Dominik Szoboszlai has become a talisman for Liverpool (Reuters)

And then Liverpool mounted a ferocious onslaught. Salah, in behind the Galatasaray defence, failed to dink the ball over Ugurcan Cakir. Florian Wirtz had a ferocious shot deflected over the goal. Mac Allister headed on to the bar from four yards. Szoboszlai had a long-range shot parried. The best chance of all went to the Egyptian. It was a wild and needless challenge from Ismail Jakobs to send Szoboszlai flying. In contrast, Salah’s penalty was too tame. Cakir saved it with his trailing foot.

If it reinforced the sense Liverpool can be a side who struggle to double a lead, they got their second, third and fourth goals in swift succession. Each revolved around Salah. First he sprang the offside trap and centred to give Hugo Ekitike a tap in. Then, after Cakir parried his half-volley, Ryan Gravenberch bobbled in the rebound. After Wilfried Singo was spared an embarrassing own goal by an offside flag, Salah scored his 50th Champions League goal in classic fashion. A curler from outside the box nestled in the net. Salah grabbed the Liver Bird on his shirt in celebration. High in the stands, Steven Gerrard joined in the applause.

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(Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Salah should really have had a second, hitting the bar from Ekitike’s cutback. It nevertheless felt a sign he was irresistible; until, suddenly, he wasn’t. He went off, seemingly substituting himself for once, and headed down the tunnel for treatment. “He felt something,” added Slot.

Galatasaray’s attacking superstar was long gone by then. Hampered by an arm injury, Victor Osimhen did not reappear for the second half. His manager, Okan Buruk, thought Victor Osimhen’s arm injury was a psychological blow for his team. His top scorer departed at half-time, heading for hospital, where he was later joined by Noa Lang, stretchered off with a potentially serious finger problem.

(Getty)

It completed an awful night for Galatasaray. Having gone further than expected in Europe, they shrank from the challenge. Liverpool rose to it. And so in this season, unlike last, they will play European football in April. There is a similarity nonetheless. It is Paris Saint-Germain again, a rematch that offers the prospect of revenge. And for Salah, an opportunity to plot a course towards his fourth Champions League final.

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