UCL: ‘It would have been different’ – Engin blames Osimhen’s absence for Galatasaray’s 3-1 defeat

Turkish football analyst Sinan Engin has suggested that Galatasaray could have secured a distinct outcome against Sporting CP had Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen been fit to play. Osimhen, who has been crucial for the Yellow-Reds throughout the current season, was unavailable for the match due to a groin injury he sustained during the 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir.

Galatasaray subsequently acknowledged that the injury had occurred post-match. During a discussion on the Asist Analiz YouTube channel via Habersarikirmizi, Engin criticized Galatasaray's performance, despite their control of possession, asserting that Sporting CP was not a strong opponent and could have been defeated with Osimhen in the lineup.

"Galatasaray had a high possession percentage, but no results. Maybe they are one of the weakest teams they face in the Champions League. I don't consider Sporting CP to be an incredible, unstoppable team," Engin remarked. "If Galatasaray had been more skilled and Osimhen had been present, this match would have been quite different."

The defeat has intensified Galatasaray's struggles in the UEFA Champions League without Osimhen, as the Super Lig champions have yet to win in their last six matches in the competition, all of which Osimhen has missed. Since the start of the previous season, Galatasaray has encountered losses against Sporting Lisbon, AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Union Saint-Gilloise, as well as a draw with Malmö and Rigas Skola.

Osimhen will now focus on recovering quickly from his groin injury to return to the pitch, as Galatasaray strives to restore their winning momentum in the Champions League.