Galatasaray’s history in the UEFA Champions League could be rewritten by Victor Osimhen. With six goals in six games this season, the Nigerian striker is well on his way to breaking the club’s single-season scoring record in Europe’s top competition.
Burak Yılmaz’s eight goals in the 2012–13 season, when the Istanbul team advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to Real Madrid, continue to be Galatasaray’s benchmark.
Osimhen now needs three goals to break the previous record and two goals to tie that total. The chance is still very much in reach because they still have a two-leg playoff match versus Juventus to play.
The first leg will be played at RAMS Park in Istanbul, with the return match scheduled for next week in Turin. Osimhen’s influence has spread to domestic competition.
He has nine goals in 16 league games, helping Galatasaray preserve a three-point advantage over Fenerbahçe at the top of the standings.
Head coach Okan Buruk recently teamed Osimhen with Mauro Icardi in attack, a tactical change that has generated great results, including a 5-1 home win last weekend. Q
Looking ahead to Juventus, Buruk recognised the magnitude of the challenge, citing the Italian team’s quickness on the wings and attacking unreliability.
However, he is confident that Galatasaray is better prepared physically and emotionally than in prior European campaigns.
The Turkish champions have not advanced to the Champions League last 16 in over a decade. With Osimhen’s current scoring pace, he has a good chance of breaking the club record and ending the streak.
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