Few rivalries in Turkish football carry the weight of Galatasaray vs. Besiktas.
When these two Istanbul giants clash, the stakes are always high, but this Saturday’s showdown at the Tüpraş Stadyumu comes with an added layer of intrigue.
Two of the league’s most lethal strikers — Victor Osimhen and Ciro Immobile — will go head-to-head, each carrying the hopes of their respective teams.
Osimhen, Galatasaray’s Nigerian goal machine, is in unstoppable form, leading the Süper Lig scoring charts with 20 goals.
Meanwhile, Besiktas’ Italian hitman, Immobile, remains a clinical presence despite his advancing years, having found the net 11 times this season. With both strikers in fine form, the question isn’t just which team will win — but which of these two will prove decisive.
One more Controversial Decision by TFF.
— Turkish Football Soccer (@soccer_turkish) March 15, 2025
The TFF has decided that foreign referees will officiate the derbies in the Super League until the end of the season.
Thus, a foreign referee will officiate the Beşiktaş – Galatasaray derby to be played in the 29th week. Via: NTV… pic.twitter.com/0Mcq2Q4b5T
Osimhen: The relentless goal king
Galatasaray’s capture of Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli was one of the biggest transfers in Turkish football history, and the Nigerian has wasted no time proving his worth.
With 20 goals in 22 league appearances, he has been the driving force behind Cim Bom Bom’s title charge. His recent form is nothing short of frightening — nine goals in his last five games for club and country.
March began with Osimhen scoring twice in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa. He followed it up with a strike in the 2-1 win over Alanyaspor, before delivering his first Galatasaray hat-trick in a 4-0 rout of Antalyaspor.
Not even the international break could slow him down. He fired in a brace for Nigeria in a crucial 2-0 win against Rwanda, then struck again in a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.
Victor Osimhen (26) hat-trick alert!
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 14, 2025
What a season he's having for Galatasaray: 26 goals + 5 assists so far. pic.twitter.com/gnQ5j9z5d4
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Osimhen thrives on his pace, power, and movement. His ability to play off the shoulder of the last defender makes him a nightmare for centre-backs, while his aerial ability adds another dimension to Galatasaray’s attack.
He scored in the first meeting between these two sides earlier in the season — a 2-1 win for Galatasaray — and will be keen to make his mark again.
Immobile: Besiktas' experienced poacher
While Osimhen represents youthful explosiveness, Ciro Immobile embodies experience and ruthlessness.
The Italian forward, who joined Besiktas from Lazio in the summer, remains one of the most reliable goal-scorers in Europe.
Lazio fan bursts into tears as Ciro Immobile is at the airport to go and sign for Turkish side Beşiktaş. (@calciomercatoit/@AllRoundLazio) pic.twitter.com/5f0bJtAl53
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 12, 2024
Immobile, Lazio’s all-time leading scorer and eighth on the all-time Serie A goal list, has had little trouble adapting to life in Turkey.
The former Borussia Dortmund star has been steady rather than spectacular, but 11 league goals in 23 games prove that he remains a threat.
He also netted twice in the Turkish Super Cup and twice in the Europa League, showing his ability to deliver in big moments.
Immobile’s game is built on intelligence rather than sheer pace. His movement in and around the box is exceptional, and he has an uncanny ability to find space where none seems to exist. He may not press defenders as aggressively as Osimhen, but give him a half-chance, and he will punish you.
The Italian has already shown he can trouble Galatasaray, scoring twice in the Super Cup against them – a 5-0 win in August before Osimhen arrived.
With fourth-place Besiktas needing a win to keep their European hopes alive, he will be the man they turn to.
Tactical battle: Who holds the edge?
Galatasaray are the league’s dominant force, leading second-place Fenerbahce by nine points. Their 26-match unbeaten run in the Süper Lig speaks volumes about their consistency.
Coach Okan Buruk has built a well-balanced side, but Osimhen remains their focal point. Whether it’s feeding off through balls from Dries Mertens or pouncing on crosses from Yunus Akgün, Osimhen thrives in this setup.
Besiktas, on the other hand, sit fourth, locked in a battle for European qualification. Their form has been inconsistent, with four wins and two losses in their last six games.
However, they have been strong at home, winning eight of their 13 matches at Tüpraş Stadyumu.
Defensively, Galatasaray boast the best backline in the league, but they will have to be wary of Immobile’s movement. On the other side, Besiktas will need to find a way to contain Osimhen’s relentless running in behind.
Soccernet.ng's prediction: Who will shine?
Osimhen is undoubtedly the man in form, and Galatasaray’s attacking style plays to his strengths.
Besiktas will need to be disciplined at the back, but they also have their own weapon in Immobile, whose experience could prove invaluable.
With Galatasaray unbeaten away from home this season and Osimhen in red-hot form, they have the upper hand.
However, in a derby, anything can happen. One thing is certain: if Osimhen and Immobile both play to their potential, fans are in for a thrilling goal-fest in Istanbul.
