Galatasaray’s hopes of securing a top-eight finish in the UEFA Europa League league phase ended in disappointment, with head coach Okan Buruk pointing fingers at Victor Osimhen’s missed opportunities as a key factor.

The Super Eagles striker was among those who failed to capitalise on crucial chances, ultimately leaving the Turkish Super Lig side short of their goal, Footballrover reports.

Victor Osimhen’s missed chances in Europa clash prove costly

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan, was on target in their 2-1 defeat to Ajax, netting a late consolation goal.

The Nigerian forward extended his impressive scoring streak to four consecutive Europa League matches, but it wasn’t enough to overturn a two-goal deficit.

Ajax took control early, with Bertrand Traoré breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse courtesy of Chuba Akpom’s effort.

The Dutch side doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Kian Fitz-Jim finished off a swift counterattack.

Despite his late strike in the 94th minute, Victor Osimhen struggled to make the most of his earlier opportunities.

He missed a close-range header in the 18th minute and sent another effort off target just before halftime.

The Nigerian forward had another headed attempt saved in the 57th minute before finally finding the back of the net with a well-placed rebound.

His goal against Ajax took his season tally to 17 in all competitions, including five in the Europa League.

However, Galatasaray’s 14th-place finish meant they fell short of the top spot but managed to book a place in the playoff.

Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk blames missed chances and defensive errors

After the match, Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, emphasising that wasted chances—particularly from Victor Osimhen and Michy Batshuayi—played a decisive role in their failure to finish in the top eight.

“Maybe we could have brought the score to 2-2. Batshuayi and Osimhen had chances. If we are entering and missing so many chances, and on top of that you are conceding ridiculous goals, you lose such matches. Of course we had shortcomings,” Buruk told the club media.

The coach also admitted that his side should have delivered more crosses to utilise Victor Osimhen and Batshuayi’s aerial strength, an area where they could have exploited Ajax’s defence.

“We could have sent more balls there. Batshuayi and Osimhen were also effective players in headers. We could have sent more balls there. Of course, we could have reached more with the crosses we brought from the sides. In this sense, our two centre forwards could have met the ball more,” he said.

Now, Galatasaray must regroup as they prepare to face Midtjylland in the Europa League playoffs, hoping to make amends for their missed opportunities.

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