Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is confident the Turkish champions will head into their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Liverpool with strong momentum after beating Besiktas in the Istanbul derby on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Osimhen scored the only goal as Galatasaray defeated Besiktas 1-0, ending the hosts’ 18-match unbeaten run and opening up a seven-point gap between them and close chasers Fenerbahce in the Super Lig title race.
The 27-year-old’s first-half header — his 11th league goal of the season — sealed the win and extended Osimhen’s goal-contribution streak to eight consecutive league appearances. The run includes eight goals and four assists, equalling the longest such sequence of his professional career, previously achieved during his prolific spell with Napoli between January and February 2023.
Before the draw some days ago, Osimhen was wary of the six-time Champions League winners, but has since grown in confidence ahead of the tie.
“It’s beautiful to play this type of team in the Champions League. Of course, it gives us some sort of satisfaction knowing that we are playing one of the best teams in the world. But we are also one of the best teams,” Osimhen said via Galatasaray’s YouTube page.
“I think with the way we played today (Saturday), with the strength and togetherness we showed on the pitch, even after going a man down, we showed great qualities. We will carry this momentum into the next Champions League game and give it our all.
“I think we also have an edge in front of our fans. Their support will go a long way.”
Osimhen has been a key figure for Galatasaray in the Champions League this season, recording seven goals and two assists in eight appearances.
The Nigerian also scored the only goal in Galatasaray’s 1-0 win against Liverpool during the group phase.
Earlier this season, the striker spoke about the club’s ambition in the competition.
“I spoke with the president when I arrived here, and we agreed that we want to make a statement in the Champions League.
“We’ve dominated the Turkish league for years, but now we want to show that we can compete with the best teams in Europe.”
Osimhen, who scored the crucial winner in their last Champions League outing against Juventus, will hope to give the Turkish champions a significant advantage ahead of the second leg at Anfield.
Meanwhile, reports from The Athletic suggest Osimhen is among the players admired by the FC Barcelona hierarchy if Robert Lewandowski leaves the club this summer.
His pace, power, and finishing ability are seen as qualities that could suit the current Barcelona attack.
The Nigerian forward joined Galatasaray for a record transfer fee last summer and quickly became a fan favourite in Turkey.
Several clubs are believed to be watching his situation closely, including Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Chelsea.
