- Super Eagles star Osimhen who is confident of a comeback, vows to lead Galatasaray to victory with the support of the home fans
- Notably, Galatasaray have scored three or more goals in six of their last seven European home games
- New Galatasaray signings Przemyslaw Frankowski and Mario Lemina are ineligible, adding to selection headaches
Galatasaray will attempt to defy history and overturn a daunting 4-1 deficit when they host AZ Alkmaar in their Europa League playoff second leg in Istanbul today, Thursday, February 20.
Leading the charge is Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, who has vowed to deliver a comeback for the Turkish champions.
Osimhen missed the first leg due to suspension but returned in style on Monday, scoring both goals in Galatasaray’s 2-1 win over Rizespor to extend their lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig. His confidence is sky-high ahead of the crucial European clash.
Speaking to Turkish outlet Fotomac after the first leg, Osimhen expressed his belief in Galatasaray’s ability to turn the tie around,
“The return match in Istanbul will be very different. With the support of our fans, we will show them the true power of Galatasaray, I will score my goals. Leave AZ Alkmaar to me. We will be the side that advances. I am sure of that. Everyone should keep their morale high,” Osimhen said.
The 25-year-old striker has been in stellar form since arriving on loan from Napoli last summer. He has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 18 league matches, with five goals and one assist in the Europa League. His return, along with Davinson Sanchez and Lucas Torreira, gives manager Okan Buruk hope of a revival.
Galatasaray’s challenge is immense. Only one team in Europa League history has overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit; Valencia, who came back from 3-0 down to beat Basel 5-0 in 2014.
Former Turkish coach Önder Özen pointed to the absences in the first leg as a key factor in Galatasaray’s heavy defeat,
“No Torreira, no Davinson Sanchez, no Osimhen. You can’t play the same game without the three important players in the backbone,” he told Habersarikirmizi.
Despite the challenge, Galatasaray has reasons for optimism. They have scored three or more goals in six of their last seven European home games and lead the competition’s goal charts with 20 goals.
AZ Alkmaar, third in the Europa League goal-scoring charts with 17 goals, arrives well-rested after skipping weekend domestic duties. Their top scorer, Troy Parrott, who has 17 goals this season, will lead their attack as they seek to book a last-16 tie against either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
However, for Osimhen and Galatasaray, it is now or never.
Galatasaray joins race for Osimhen's signature, ready to bid €50 million
Previously, TheRadar reported that Galatasaray was preparing to shake up the January transfer window with a not-so-surprising move for Nigeria’s star forward Victor Osimhen.
While Chelsea had long been linked with the 25-year-old striker, the Turkish champions are now looking to secure a permanent deal to keep Osimhen in Istanbul, a city where he has quickly won the hearts of fans.
