Victor Osimhen will be hoping to lead underdogs Galatasaray to the quarterfinals of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League at the expense of Liverpool.
The Istanbul giants travel to Anfield in what would be the Nigerian’s 70th game since joining in the 2024/2025 season on loan initially.
With the numbers pointing to Osimhen as the nemesis of English teams, particularly Liverpool, one can say punters are assured of a goal or assist from the lanky forward.
Osimhen: Will Gala’s demigod lead historic win at Anfield?
When Victor Osimhen decided to join the 25-time Turkish Super Lig champions on loan from Napoli in 2024, a lot of people criticised the move, saying it shows a lack of ambition.
The Super Eagles forward would go on to win them the League and Cup titles that season, then made his move permanent in July 2025 for a record-breaking €75 million, signing a four-year contract.
This even raised more eyebrows, but the 2023 CAF Player of the Year seemed to have found a fanbase that loves him beyond the ordinary; he is like a god to them.
The Cimbom and the entire club realise that Osimhen chose them despite offers from other clubs across Europe, as he could have joined clubs with better ratings on the continent.
Gala have found a way to build the team around him this season, with the likes of Gabriel Sara, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Leroy Sane and co.
That has, however, helped them to the round of 16 thus far, advancing past Juventus in the previous round and even securing a one-nil first leg win over the Reds in Istanbul.
Osimhen, who has been the toast of opponents, from coaches to players, has been heavily involved in the team’s progress with 7 goals and 3 assists in 9 games.
In the first leg, the Gala Ultras put up a banner that shows Osimhen’s late mother and himself just before kickoff, and one would actually say that motivated the emotional Nigerian to put in a great shift.
He assisted the opener and scored a goal, which was eventually ruled out for offside.
The 27-year-old, even on eye test, gave Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk a tough time, and more is expected tonight.
Osimhen will be hoping to lead the visitors to their first win over Liverpool away from home.
Liverpool vs Galatasaray Match Preview
Liverpool were knocked out in the last 16 by holders Paris Saint-Germain last year and a second successive exit at this stage would only increase the pressure on Slot, who has secured just one win in his last four games across all competitions.
While the Reds can also take solace in having advanced from nine continental ties out of 13 after losing the first leg by a 1-0 scoreline, their bigger record over two legs is more daunting, as they have been eliminated in 11 of their last 16 UEFA knockout games following an away loss in the first leg.
Although Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk is of the opinion that Liverpool are still favourites to progress, the Turkish giants are in a strong position to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since the 2012/2013 season.
The Istanbul-based side finished down in 20th place in the league phase before defeating Juventus in the knockout round playoffs, and we can say that they should be optimistic of success tonight, as they have won 14 of their last 17 two-legged ties in UEFA competition after winning the first leg at home.
One thing of worry is their European away record, as they have been defeated in 19 of their last 23 games away from home in the Champions League and have also won once in their last 12 away trips in England, a 3-2 victory over Manchester United in the 2023/2024 Champions League group stage.
Defensive lapses have been a concern for Galatasaray on the continent for a while, as they have only kept three clean sheets in their last 33 games in UEFA competitions.
However, two of those cleansheets were recorded against Liverpool this campaign.
The visitors have not conceded in any of their last three matches across all competitions, including last weekend’s three-nil home win over Istanbul Basaksehir in the Turkish Super Lig.
Liverpool vs Galatasaray betting trends
- Liverpool have suffered a defeat by Galatasaray in their 3 most recent clashes with them (Champions League)
- Liverpool score an average of 2.22 goals in their Champions League matches
- Liverpool are conceding an average of 1.50 goals in home Champions League games
- Galatasaray have suffered 3 straight defeats in their most recent away clashes in Champions League
- Galatasaray have won just 1 of their last 6 away matches in Champions League
- No goals have been scored in the last 3 away Champions League matches of Galatasaray
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