Victor Osimhen reflects on tough Lille test after Galatasaray Champions League win
Victor Osimhen scored and earned Player of the Match honours as Galatasaray defeated Lille 4-2 in the Champions League, with the Nigerian striker acknowledging the challenge posed by his former club.
Victor Osimhen has acknowledged Lille’s quality after Galatasaray claimed a 4-2 victory over the French club in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian striker scored in the second half to help the Turkish champions secure their first victory of the 2026/27 campaign, ending their wait for points in the competition.
The encounter at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy proved more difficult than the final score suggested, with Lille twice recovering from behind before Galatasaray eventually established control.
Yunus Akgün gave the visitors an early advantage in the second minute, but Soriba Diaoune responded with two goals to put Lille ahead. Aleksey Batrakov restored parity shortly before half-time, setting up an entertaining second half.
Galatasaray regained the lead through an own goal by Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer in the 52nd minute. Osimhen then struck nine minutes later, finishing a move involving Barış Alper Yılmaz to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.
Reflecting on the contest, Osimhen praised Lille’s performance and the atmosphere created by the home supporters.
“I love this stadium. The fans are incredible. We had a tough match. I’m very happy for our team, we won,” he said.
The former Lille forward also acknowledged how his old club had threatened to derail Galatasaray’s plans.
“I also wish Lille good luck in their next matches. Lille players are very tough. They even took the lead. We managed to win the match together as a team. I’m happy we got the three points.”
Osimhen delivers against former clubThe goal was Osimhen’s first in this season’s Champions League, providing a timely boost for Galatasaray after their difficult start to the league phase.
His contribution proved decisive as the Turkish side collected their first three points and improved their prospects of progressing to the knockout stages.
For Osimhen, the result also offered a memorable return to familiar surroundings, with the striker demonstrating his importance to Galatasaray’s European ambitions.
The Turkish champions will now look to build on the victory as they continue their Champions League campaign.
