Osimhen Absent As Galatasaray Survive Late Scare To Beat Gençlerbirliği

Osimhen Absent As Galatasaray Survive Late Scare To Beat Gençlerbirliği

By Our Reporter 

Galatasaray overcame a stern test on Saturday, defeating Gençlerbirliği 3–2 despite playing the closing stages with ten men and missing injured star striker Victor Osimhen, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Osimhen, ruled out with a moderate hamstring strain sustained during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff against DR Congo, was unavailable after medical scans confirmed internal bleeding associated with the injury. His absence placed added responsibility on veteran forward Mauro Icardi, who delivered a composed performance.

The visitors struck early, putting Galatasaray under immediate pressure. The champions struggled to find rhythm in the first half but regrouped after the interval. Icardi restored parity with a precise one-touch finish, igniting the comeback.

Barış Alper Yılmaz completed the turnaround shortly after, tapping into an empty net following sustained pressure from the home side. İlkay Gündoğan then extended the lead with a well-taken effort, giving Galatasaray what appeared to be a comfortable two-goal advantage.

Gençlerbirliği, however, refused to fold, pulling one back to set up a tense finale. Galatasaray’s task grew even more complicated when they were reduced to ten men late in the contest, forcing them to defend resolutely against sustained pressure.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Okan Buruk’s side held firm to secure all three points, preserving their strong start to the season.

Club president Dursun Özbek later confirmed that Osimhen is expected to be sidelined for roughly two weeks, with the medical team focused on preparing him for the December 1 derby against Fenerbahçe and Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON build-up.

For Galatasaray, the narrow win anchored by Icardi’s leadership and the squad’s resilience underscored their depth as they navigate a challenging stretch of domestic and European fixtures.