Engin says Osimhen's absence cost Galatasaray vs Sporting CP in UCL
Turkish analyst Sinan Engin claims Galatasaray’s 3-1 loss to Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League would have been different if Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen had been fit to play. Osimhen missed the match due to a groin injury sustained in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir, a injury the club confirmed after post‑match evaluation.
Engin pointed out that despite dominating possession, Galatasaray lacked the cutting edge without Osimhen, describing Sporting CP as not a formidable side and insisting the Yellow‑Reds could have secured a win with their star striker available. The defeat extends Galatasaray’s winless run in the Champions League to six matches whenever Osimhen is absent, a streak that includes losses to Sporting Lisbon, AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Union Saint‑Gilloise, plus draws with Malmö and Rigas Skola since the start of last season.
Osimhen is now targeting a swift recovery from the groin issue to rejoin the squad and help Galatasaray regain their winning form in Europe’s premier club competition.