Galatasaray coach praises Osimhen, says Tottenham win statement for Turkish football
Galatasaray has stated that their 3-2 triumph over Tottenham in the UEFA Europa League was a statement for Turkish football as much as a win for the team.
"We didn't just play for Galatasaray tonight; we played for Turkish football," head coach Okan Buruk said in a statement posted on the team's website late Thursday.
"We demonstrated to a Premier League team just what a Turkish team is capable of." We need to start chatting on the pitch instead of off it.
Galatasaray was successful in countering Tottenham's setup with an aggressive 3-4-1-2 formation that was the result of his preparation and audacious strategies.
Buruk stated that his team was able to control possession and take advantage of Tottenham's weaknesses since the week gave them more time to practice for the game.
"This was among the most dominant performances Turkish football has seen against an English club. We forced Tottenham into mistakes they rarely make,” he said proudly.
The night belonged to Galatasaray’s powerful front line, with Victor Osimhen leading the charge. Osimhen’s two goals, in the 31st and 39th minutes, were a masterclass in precision and power, capping off a relentless first half that saw the Lions take a commanding lead.
Buruk praised Osimhen’s work rate and clinical finishing, noting, “He gave everything despite being tired, and it paid off spectacularly. We could have scored 7 or 8 goals if we had converted all our chances.”
The high-stakes match saw Galatasaray surge forward from the outset, with Yunus Akgün firing the opener just six minutes in. While Tottenham’s Will Lankshear managed an equalizer, Osimhen’s first goal restored the Lions’ lead, and his second shortly after made it 3-1, setting the stadium ablaze with excitement.
Reflecting on the intense atmosphere in Ali Sami Yen Stadium, Buruk applauded the crowd’s unyielding support.
“The fans and the players worked together as one. We created chances, applied pressure, and showed what the quality of the Turkish league truly is. This wasn’t just a game; it was a reminder of what our teams are capable of.”
As the second half wore on, Tottenham fought back with a goal from Dominic Solanke in the 69th minute, yet Galatasaray’s defense held firm. Even as fatigue set in and Buruk made substitutions to manage players’ energy, the Lions maintained their dominance, ensuring Tottenham couldn’t complete a comeback, the statement noted.
Buruk stressed, "Our success goes beyond tonight," alluding to Turkish clubs' recent triumphs in European competitions.
"We're establishing our credibility, raising our nation's standing, and demonstrating that Turkish football is deserving of respect." The fact that our teams are defeating the top teams in Europe says a lot.
Encouraged by a win that reverberates throughout Turkish football, Galatasaray now anticipates their next league game against Samsunspor.