Galatasaray’s Europa League Struggles: Önder Özen Blames Absence of Osimhen and Key Players for 4-1 Defeat
By DGR8Z.com Sports Desk
Galatasaray’s hopes of advancing in the UEFA Europa League took a massive hit after a crushing 4-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night. Former Turkish manager Önder Özen has pinpointed the absence of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and two other key players as the primary reason for the Turkish giants’ lackluster performance.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match, the impact of missing players, and what lies ahead for Galatasaray.
Key Highlights
Galatasaray’s Struggles: Managed only two shots on target, with one goal from Roland Sallai.
Osimhen’s Absence: The Nigerian striker, suspended for accumulated yellow cards, was sorely missed.
Other Missing Stars: Lucas Torreira and Davinson Sánchez were also unavailable, weakening the team’s backbone.
Second-Leg Hope: Osimhen returns for the second leg, offering a chance for redemption.
The Match: A Night to Forget for Galatasaray
Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s most storied clubs, looked out of sorts against a dominant AZ Alkmaar side. The absence of Victor Osimhen, their leading scorer this season, left a glaring void in the attack. Despite the presence of winter signing Alvaro Morata, the team lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble Alkmaar’s defense.
The Hungarian defender Roland Sallai managed to score Galatasaray’s only goal, but it was a mere consolation in a game where they were thoroughly outplayed.
Önder Özen’s Analysis: Missing the Backbone
Speaking on Neo Spor’s YouTube channel, Özen highlighted the significance of missing three key players:
- Victor Osimhen: The Nigerian striker has been in sensational form, with 17 goals and 5 assists in 23 matches this season.
- Lucas Torreira: The midfield dynamo’s absence disrupted Galatasaray’s control in the middle of the park.
- Davinson Sánchez: The defensive stalwart’s missing presence left gaps at the back.
Özen remarked, “No Torreira, no Davinson Sanchez, no Osimhen. You can’t play the same game without the three important players in the backbone. Sometimes you have to play according to the conditions. This is the first time I’ve seen Galatasaray this disorganized in the last two and a half seasons.”
Osimhen’s Impact and Return
Osimhen, on loan from Napoli, has been a revelation for Galatasaray this season. His suspension for the first leg was a significant blow, but his return for the second leg at RAMS Park offers a glimmer of hope. The Super Eagles striker will be eager to make his mark and help Galatasaray overturn the 4-1 deficit.
What’s Next for Galatasaray?
The second leg, scheduled for next week, will be a must-win for Galatasaray. With Osimhen back in the lineup, the team will look to replicate their domestic form on the European stage. However, overturning a three-goal deficit against a confident AZ Alkmaar side will be a monumental task.
Engage with Us
Can Galatasaray stage a comeback with Osimhen back in the squad? Or is the Europa League dream over for the Turkish giants? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
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