Galatasaray prepare to host Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday evening, with a win potentially propelling them into the Champions League’s top eight. However, much of the pre-match focus centers on the uncertain availability of their star forward Victor Osimhen, according to Soccernet.ng.
The Nigerian striker remains doubtful after picking up an injury during international duty last week. His possible absence is a major blow, considering Galatasaray’s three Champions League victories this season have all featured goals from Osimhen.
Osimhen has been pivotal this campaign, netting the decisive goal in a thrilling win over Liverpool, scoring twice against Bodo/Glimt, and delivering a stunning hat-trick in the 3-0 triumph over Ajax.
Notably, the Turkish side‘s sole Champions League defeat this season occurred when Osimhen was absent.
Although there remains a faint possibility Osimhen could be named on the bench, Galatasaray are likely to err on the side of caution, especially against a Union Saint-Gilloise side that has suffered three consecutive defeats in European competition. In his stead, Mauro Icardi is expected to spearhead the attack, with the support of the swift and skillful Leroy Sané and Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Despite Osimhen’s injury setback, Union SG’s coach David Hubert emphasizes that Galatasaray still pose a formidable challenge.
In an interview with UEFA.com, Hubert remarked, “If Victor Osimhen isn’t available, there’s still Barış Alper Yılmaz, Mauro Icardi, and Leroy Sané. We have to be vigilant against all the key Galatasaray players.”
Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray this summer from Napoli marked a landmark moment, breaking the Turkish transfer record and underscoring the club’s ambition to reclaim its status among Europe’s elite. His signing was met with enthusiasm both within the club and among its passionate fanbase.
Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi believes his own arrival in Istanbul helped pave the way for the influx of high-profile players like Osimhen and Sané.
“Galatasaray has a rich history, but in recent years, everyone here has strived to elevate the club,” Icardi explained.
“We’ve reached a level where we’re considered among Europe’s top teams. That’s what truly counts. The arrival of players like Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sané, which once seemed unlikely, is a testament to our progress. I’m proud to have played a part in this transformation.”
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Galatasaray Pursue Historic European Feat as Union SG Aim for a Turnaround
Galatasaray’s revival on the European stage has been one of the standout narratives this season.
After a heavy 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt on the opening matchday, Okan Buruk’s squad has bounced back impressively with three consecutive wins, equaling their total victories from the previous 33 Champions League group matches combined.
A fourth straight victory would be unprecedented for Galatasaray in the Champions League group stage.
Rams Park has played a crucial role in their resurgence, evolving into one of Europe’s most daunting arenas. The team remains unbeaten at home since August 2024, with two Champions League wins this season reinforcing their fortress-like status. A win on Tuesday would mark their first time securing three home victories in a single European campaign since their quarter-final run in 2000-01.
This encounter marks the first competitive clash between Galatasaray and Union SG. However, history advises caution: Galatasaray have yet to defeat a Belgian team in European competition, with four draws and four losses to their name. Additionally, all three home fixtures against Belgian clubs in the Champions League have ended in stalemates.
Union SG arrive with mixed European form. Heavy defeats against Newcastle, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid have dampened the momentum gained from their opening-day victory over PSV. Nonetheless, they remain dominant domestically, leading the Belgian First Division and winning four of their last six matches across all competitions.
Their recent European wins have come on the road, a fact that could inspire confidence as they look to challenge Galatasaray in Istanbul.
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