All eyes are on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as Galatasaray prepare to host Atletico Madrid in a pivotal Champions League league-phase encounter at RAMS Park, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old, fresh from helping Nigeria secure third place at the Africa Cup of Nations, is on the verge of etching his name into the club's history books.
A single goal against the Spanish side would make him Galatasaray's all-time leading foreign scorer in European competitions, surpassing the 12-goal mark shared by former stars Shabani Nonda and Milan Baros.
Osimhen's European tally for the Turkish champions stands at 12, achieved through strikes against Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt, and Ajax. This potential milestone comes amid a stellar run for the forward, who has netted 49 times in 57 appearances across all competitions since joining the Super Lig title holders.
His next strike would not only break the foreign European record but also mark his 50th goal overall for the club, placing him second among active players behind Mauro Icardi's 71.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
UCL: Victor Osimhen key to Galatasaray progress
The match carries high stakes beyond personal accolades. Galatasaray sit 18th in the 36-team table with nine points from six games, three adrift of eighth-placed Atletico.
A victory could propel the Lions towards automatic qualification for the knockout rounds, avoiding a precarious playoff spot.
Okan Buruk's side, buoyed by three wins but hampered by three losses, face a formidable opponent in Diego Simeone's Atletico, who boast four victories and 12 points. The Turkish giants' form across all competitions shows resilience, while Atletico arrive on a strong run, including a recent 3-2 Champions League triumph over PSV Eindhoven.
Osimhen's return after a 39-day absence, missing six matches due to international duty, has reignited competition in Galatasaray's attack. The Nigerian's inclusion likely benches Icardi, the Argentine who trails Gheorghe Hagi by one goal for the club's all-time foreign scoring crown in all competitions.
Historically, Galatasaray have struggled against Atletico, drawing once and losing three in four European meetings, including two home defeats. The Lions have won just one of their last 21 against Spanish teams, while Atletico are unbeaten in six against Turkish sides, winning their last five away.
Yet, with Osimhen's firepower and the home crowd's backing, Buruk's men will aim to defy the odds before their final group game against Manchester City. A positive result here could secure their playoff berth and celebrate a new chapter in club lore.
