Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray head into their Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Liverpool on Tuesday with a renewed sense of belief, Soccernet.ng reports.
This follows their hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig.
The match, played at Tüpraş Stadium on Saturday, saw the Lions extend their lead at the top of the domestic table to seven points, but more importantly, it provided a timely psychological lift ahead of the European showdown at RAMS Park.
The derby was a tense affair, with both sides creating chances in a fiercely contested Istanbul classic. The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Leroy Sane delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank, allowing Victor Osimhen to rise highest and power a header past Besiktas goalkeeper Ersin Destanoglu.
It was a moment of quality that separated the teams, and Osimhen's strike proved decisive as Galatasaray held firm despite a red card to Sane for a second bookable offence, sparking controversy among fans and pundits alike.
This win was crucial not just for the points but for morale. Galatasaray have been in imperious form domestically, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 league matches, but the intensity of a derby against Besiktas, a side that had won their previous five home games, tested their resolve.
Manager Okan Buruk praised his team's defensive solidity, noting that the clean sheet against a potent Besiktas attack was a sign of maturity.
“The most important thing today was to win, and we achieved that,” Buruk said post-match.
“This victory is not only about three points, but it also strengthens us mentally. So I want to thank everyone, especially my players. We came away with a victory from a very important away game.”
For a team preparing to face Liverpool, who finished third in the Champions League group phase, this result could not have come at a better time.
The Reds, under Arne Slot, have been formidable in Europe, blending high-pressing football with clinical finishing. Yet, Galatasaray's ability to grind out results in hostile environments bodes well for their home leg, where the passionate support at RAMS Park – often dubbed ‘Hell' by opponents – could prove a significant advantage.
Victor Osimhen's form: Key to unlocking Liverpool?
At the heart of Galatasaray's confidence is the scintillating form of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, whose goal against Besiktas was his 11th in 18 Super Lig appearances this season, complemented by four assists.
The 27-year-old has been a revelation in Turkey, adapting seamlessly to the demands of Turkish football and becoming the focal point of Buruk's attack. In the Champions League, Osimhen has been equally prolific, netting seven goals and providing two assists across eight matches, averaging 0.88 goals per game.
His physicality, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing have tormented defences, as evidenced by his hat-trick in the group stage against Ajax and crucial strikes against Liverpool and Juventus.
These contributions have propelled Galatasaray into the knockout rounds for the first time since 2013.
Speaking after the Besiktas win, Osimhen struck a balanced tone, acknowledging the boost while urging caution.
“A win would of course give us extra support and confidence; however, we also need to keep our feet on the ground,” Osimhen told Galatasaray official website.
“Liverpool are a very big and very ambitious team. Playing at home could be an advantage for us. If we play a better game in front of our fans, taking lessons from this match, I believe we can get a good result, even if it won't be easy.
“Every match in the Champions League is already very difficult. We will do our best to perform well there and achieve good results in front of our fans.”
Osimhen's words reflect a squad aware of the challenge posed by Liverpool's star-studded lineup, including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, but buoyed by their own momentum.
His run of form, scoring in five of his last six games across all competitions, could be pivotal.
If Galatasaray are to spring a surprise, Osimhen's ability to exploit spaces behind Liverpool's high line will be crucial, especially with creative outlets like Sane and Barış Alper Yılmaz feeding him.
The two-legged tie, with the return at Anfield on 18 March, represents Galatasaray's toughest test yet. Yet, with Osimhen firing on all cylinders and the derby win fresh in memory, the Turkish giants approach the fixture with guarded optimism. A positive result could not only boost their chances of progression but also boost Osimhen's status as one of Europe's elite forwards.
