Osimhen confident Galatasaray can challenge Liverpool after derby win

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has expressed confidence that the Turkish champions will carry strong momentum into their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg encounter against Liverpool FC following their derby victory over Beşiktaş JK on Saturday, Sport360NG reports.

Osimhen netted the decisive goal as Galatasaray SK secured a 1–0 win over Besiktas in the Istanbul derby, ending the hosts’ 18-match unbeaten streak and extending Galatasaray’s lead to seven points ahead of rivals Fenerbahçe SK in the Süper Lig title race.

The Nigerian forward’s first-half header, his 11th league goal of the campaign, proved enough to seal the victory. The strike also extended his impressive goal involvement run to eight consecutive league matches, a sequence that includes eight goals and four assists. The feat matches the longest such run of his professional career, previously achieved during his prolific spell with SSC Napoli between January and February 2023.

Speaking ahead of the Champions League tie, Osimhen acknowledged the challenge of facing the six-time European champions but insisted Galatasaray are ready for the contest.

“It’s beautiful to play this type of team in the Champions League,” he said via the club’s YouTube channel. “Of course, it gives us satisfaction knowing we are facing one of the best teams in the world, but we are also one of the best teams.

“With the way we played today, the strength and unity we showed on the pitch, even after going a man down, we displayed great qualities. We will take this momentum into the next Champions League match and give everything.

“I also believe we have an advantage playing in front of our fans. Their support will mean a lot to us.”

Osimhen has been one of Galatasaray’s standout performers in the Champions League this season, registering seven goals and two assists in eight appearances.

The Nigerian international also scored the decisive goal when Galatasaray defeated Liverpool 1–0 during the group stage earlier in the competition.

Earlier in the season, the striker emphasised the club’s ambition to make a significant impact in Europe.

“When I arrived, I spoke with the president and we agreed that we want to make a statement in the Champions League,” he said.

“We have dominated the Turkish league for years, but now we want to show that we can compete with the best teams in Europe.”

Osimhen, who also netted the winner in Galatasaray’s previous Champions League match against Juventus FC, will be aiming to give the Turkish side a crucial advantage before the return leg at Anfield.

Meanwhile, reports from The Athletic indicate that FC Barcelona are monitoring the Nigerian striker as a potential replacement should Robert Lewandowski depart the club this summer.

Osimhen’s pace, physical presence and clinical finishing are believed to fit the profile Barcelona are seeking to strengthen their attacking options.

The forward joined Galatasaray for a club-record fee last summer and has quickly established himself as a fan favourite, with several top European clubs including FC Bayern Munich, Juventus FC and Chelsea FC, reportedly keeping close tabs on his situation.