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Galatasaray has said its 3-2 victory over Tottenham in the UEFA Europa League wasn’t just a win for the club but a statement for Turkish football.
“Tonight, we didn’t just play for Galatasaray; we played for Turkish football,” declared head coach Okan Buruk in a late Thursday statement on the club’s website.
“We showed exactly what a Turkish team can do to a Premier League side. It’s time we do our talking on the field — not off it.”
With an aggressive 3-4-1-2 formation tailored specifically to counter Tottenham’s setup, Galatasaray’s preparation and bold tactics paid off.
Buruk noted that the week allowed his squad extra time to drill for the match, enabling them to control possession and exploit Tottenham’s gaps.
“This was one of 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.
“Our success goes beyond tonight,” Buruk emphasised, hinting at Turkish clubs’ recent achievements across European tournaments.
“We’re building our reputation, contributing to our country’s ranking, and proving that Turkish football deserves respect. Our teams are winning against Europe’s best, and that speaks volumes.”
Galatasaray now look ahead to their upcoming league match against Samsunspor, buoyed by a victory that resonates not just within their club but across Turkish football.
