Galatasaray boss, Okan Buruk, has opened up on the crucial absence of Victor Osimhen following the team’s 2-2 draw against Rigas FS in the UEFA Europa League.

The Turkish Super Lig champions squandered a two-goal advantage, allowing their opponents to snatch a point in a match filled with tension and drama, Footballrover reports.

The impact of Osimhen’s injury on Galatasaray’s performance

Osimhen, who has been a standout player for Galatasaray, missed this critical match due to a muscle injury sustained in the previous weekend’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa.

The 25-year-old forward was replaced during the second half of that game and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

Buruk expressed his disappointment at Osimhen’s absence, noting,

“Of course, we can have shortcomings here. Victor Osimhen was not there because he was injured. With him, you can find more solutions in such matches,” he said.

He acknowledged the team’s struggle to generate more scoring opportunities against a resolute opponent who maintained a tight defensive structure.

Losing momentum: A setback for Galatasaray

Reflecting on the game, Buruk admitted that conceding a last-minute equaliser could have negative repercussions for team morale.

Despite establishing a 2-0 lead, he stressed the importance of not just preserving that advantage but also pushing to extend it.

We had to settle for a point in Riga.#RFSvGS #UEL pic.twitter.com/j8bA4Zz8V8

— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) October 3, 2024

The coach pointed out that allowing the first goal to slip through shortly after their lead was the key moment that ultimately affected the team’s mindset.

With quality players in his side, Buruk emphasised the necessity of finding ways to convert opportunities into decisive victories, especially in crucial matches like this one.

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