Osimhen returns just in time to make history: Galata face Cholo's army with knockouts on the line
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 21.01.26. | 15:35
He was absent for almost 40 days. The Nigerian has been one of the competition's most lethal forwards this season
Victor Osimhen is back after 39 days, and his return comes at the perfect moment for Galatasaray.
Atletico Madrid arrive in Istanbul with a three-point advantage, leaving the Turkish champions knowing that only a win keeps their Champions League knockout hopes firmly alive.
The Nigerian striker trained with the squad after returning from the AFCON 2025, and coach Okan Buruk confirmed he will be available.
Osimhen has been one of the competition's most lethal forwards this season, scoring six Champions League goals, joint-second with Erling Haaland, and 12 in 16 games across all competitions.
Tonight could also be historic. One more goal would make Osimhen Galatasaray's top foreign scorer in European competitions.
Mauro Icardi is chasing history too. The Argentine has 70 goals for the club, just one behind Gheorghe Hagi.
Expected to start on the bench, he could draw level with the Romanian legend if he scores.
"This is a critical match for the top 24," Buruk said. "We've played historic games here before. Atletico are strong, but I trust my players."
Galatasaray's form has fluctuated since the start of the year, partly due to transfer distractions, but focus is now fully on Europe.
Diego Simeone is braced for a demanding night.
"Galatasaray are intense and dangerous, and Osimhen is back," he warned. "We need to win. A draw won't be enough."
The stage is set in Istanbul. Osimhen has returned. And Galatasaray dare to dream.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 7
Tuesday
Kairat Almaty - Club Brugge 1-4 (0-2)
/Sadybekov 90+2 - Stankovic 32, Vanaken 38, Vermant 74, Mechele 84/
Bodo/Glimt - Manchester City 3-1 (2-0)
/Hogh 22, 24, Hauge 58 - Cherki 60/
Copenhagen - Napoli 1-1 (0-1)
/Larsson 72 - McTominay 39/
Inter Milan - Arsenal 1-3 (1-2)
/Sucic 18 - Jesus 10, 31, Gyokeres 84/
Real Madrid - Monaco 6-1 (2-0)
/Mbappe 5, 26, Mastantuono 51, Kehrer 55 og, Vinicius Jr 63, Bellingham 81 - Teze 72/
Olympiacos - Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 (2-0)
/Costinha 2, Taremi 45+1/
Sporting Lisbon - PSG 2-1 (0-0)
/Suarez 74, 90+1 - Kvaratskhelia 79/
Tottenham - Dortmund 2-0 (2-0)
/Romero 14, Solanke 37/
Villarreal - Ajax 1-2 (0-0)
/Oluwaseyi 49 - Gloukh 61, Edvardsen 90/
Wednesday
20.45: (3.50) Galatasaray (3.50) Atl.Madrid (2.05)
20.45: (3.15) Qarabag (3.50) Eintr.Frankfurt (2.20)
23.00: (1.90) Atalanta (3.50) Ath.Bilbao (4.20)
23.00: (1.12) Bayern (12.0) St.Gilloise (19.0)
23.00: (1.15) Chelsea (9.50) Paphos (19.0)
23.00: (1.82) Juventus (3.50) Benfica (4.50)
23.00: (1.48) Newcastle (4.40) PSV (6.75)
23.00: (3.90) Olympique Marseille (3.50) Liverpool (1.95)
23.00: (8.00) Slavia Praha (5.75) Barcelona (1.33)
***odds are subject to change***
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