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Galatasaray began their Super Lig title defence in style with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Gaziantep FK, despite the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian forward, last season’s top scorer, best player and most valuable asset in Turkey, was unavailable for the curtain-raiser after missing the entirety of pre-season. Yet his influence was still felt miles away from the Gaziantep Metropolitan Stadium.
Moments before kick-off, former Napoli forward Osimhen posted an inspiring Instagram message to his teammates: “Good luck guys. Let’s start strong until the end.”
Victor Osimhen, Gaziantep FK maçı öncesi arkadaşlarına şans diledi. pic.twitter.com/VsHz2MEXFG
— Le Marca Sports (@lemarcaspors_) August 8, 2025
That rallying cry appeared to ignite the defending champions, who raced into a commanding first-half lead.
Barış Alper Yılmaz, tasked with leading the line in Osimhen’s absence, converted two penalties — the first in the 12th minute — while Eren Elmalı added a third to all but seal the contest before half-time. Galatasaray then managed the game with authority, continuing a trend of dominant opening-day performances underlining their title credentials.
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) August 8, 2025
The win extended the Lions’ remarkable defensive record on the road against Gaziantep. They have now kept a clean sheet in all four away league meetings since the latter’s promotion. It also marked the fourth consecutive season Galatasaray have begun a campaign without conceding a goal, the longest such run in the club’s history.
Champions in each of the past three seasons, Galatasaray arrived in Gaziantep on the back of a solid pre-season, including victories over Cagliari and Admira Wacker. Gaziantep, who finished 14th last term, struggled to contain their visitors’ tempo and creativity.
Next Friday, Galatasaray welcome Fatih Karagümrük to RAMS Park for their first home game of the season, a fixture Osimhen will be determined to feature in.
