Osimhen Leads Galatasaray’s Record Chase Ahead of Manchester City Clash
Galatasaray could make history on Wednesday night when they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the UEFA Champions League.
The Turkish giants are close to setting a new record for clubs from Turkey in the competition. While their main aim is to secure a place in the knockout stage, scoring at least two goals would see Galatasaray become the first Turkish club to reach 250 goals in the European Cup and Champions League combined.
Much of the hope rests on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. He has been central to Galatasaray’s European campaign, scoring six goals in five matches so far, even though he failed to score in their last game, a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.
Osimhen is currently the club’s top scorer this season and is also chasing personal milestones. One more goal in Europe would see him move ahead of Shabani Nonda and Milan Baros to become Galatasaray’s highest foreign goalscorer in continental competitions. It would also be his 50th goal in all competitions for the club, a total only surpassed among current players by Mauro Icardi.
Since joining Galatasaray, Osimhen has scored 49 goals in 57 appearances, including key goals against Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt and Ajax in Europe. Fresh from helping Nigeria finish third at the Africa Cup of Nations, the 27-year-old is expected to lead the attack again, with support from former Manchester City players İlkay Gündoğan and Leroy Sané.
Beyond records, the match carries serious importance for both teams. Manchester City go into the final round of the league phase in 11th place, just outside the top eight on goal difference. Galatasaray sit 17th, three points behind the top eight but still holding a small advantage over teams below them.
City know that a win, along with favourable results elsewhere, could help them avoid the play-offs. Galatasaray, on the other hand, are focused on securing qualification to the knockout rounds, even if a push for the top eight looks difficult.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been strong at home in the Champions League, although injuries and the suspension of Rodri have raised some concerns. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden are expected to return to the starting line-up. Galatasaray also have absentees, but their European form this season includes impressive wins over Liverpool and Bodo/Glimt, the same Norwegian side that recently beat City.
Manchester City may start as favourites, but Galatasaray arrive with confidence, history within reach, and a striker known for delivering on big occasions. If the Turkish side are to break new ground in the Champions League, Victor Osimhen is likely to play a decisive role.
