Galatasaray boss talks up Osimhen, Icardi partnership ahead of crunch Juventus tie
Football • 1d ago
**Galatasaray's New Hope: Osimhen and Icardi Unleash Magic in Istanbul**
As the Super Lig season hits its stride, Galatasaray's chances of causing an upset in the UEFA Champions League have taken a significant boost. The Istanbul giants have been boosted by the on-field chemistry of Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi, who combined for a five-goal thrashing of Eyuspor last Friday.
In a bold move, manager Okan Buruk switched to a 4-4-2 formation, which paid off handsomely as Icardi netted a hat-trick and Osimhen provided two assists in a match that saw Galatasaray's first five-goal haul in a competitive game since April 2025. This result is a welcome reprieve for the Turkish club, which has been under pressure to prove that its star forwards can thrive together.
The partnership between Osimhen and Icardi has been a subject of debate among fans and pundits alike, with many doubting whether they could coexist on the pitch. However, Buruk's experiment has turned out to be a masterstroke, as the duo's chemistry has become a major concern for their opponents. This is particularly relevant as Galatasaray prepares to face Italian giants Juventus in the Champions League playoffs.
While Juventus are the clear favourites to progress to the next round, Buruk is confident that his side can cause an upset. "We will prepare for Juventus, a very different match and a very strong opponent awaits us," he said. "We will immediately recover mentally and prepare. Our goal will be to beat Juventus."
Osimhen has been a crucial player for Galatasaray, with nine league goals in 16 appearances, alongside six strikes in the Champions League. His impact has been instrumental in the team's success, and with Icardi's resurgence, the Turkish club is poised to make a deep run in the Champions League. As Galatasaray takes on Juventus in the first leg, one thing is certain: the Istanbul giants will not go down without a fight.
In the words of manager Buruk, "There are many positive things... We tried it and got positive results." The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and Galatasaray's fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see their team cause an upset in the Champions League.