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Momentum, confidence and psychological edge all travel with Galatasaray as they arrive in Turin for a defining European night against Juventus, Footynaija reports.
Holding a commanding first-leg advantage, the Turkish champions know one composed performance could secure progression. Yet, much of the spotlight remains fixed on Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian forward was central to last week’s attacking display, unsettling Juventus throughout with relentless movement and physical intensity. Now, ahead of the return encounter at the Allianz Stadium, attention has shifted to how the Italian side plans to contain him.
Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly openly acknowledged the striker’s influence while promising a different defensive approach this time.
“Osimhen is an extraordinary player. He showed that in the first match as well. We won’t give him the same opportunities this time. We have to put our whole heart out on the pitch.”
Rather than viewing the comments as pressure, Osimhen appears energised by the challenge. The striker believes physical battles define elite European football and insists confronting determined defenders is part of his responsibility.
“A defender trying to stop a striker like Osimhen will inevitably have concerns,” Osimhen said. “I always try to be an aggressive striker on the court, to disrupt the defense and put the opponent in a difficult situation; that’s my job.”
However, the forward was keen to point out that Galatasaray’s threat does not depend on one individual. With attacking options such as Mauro Icardi and Noa Lang, he believes focusing solely on him could leave Juventus exposed elsewhere.
“But I’m not alone here,” the Nigeria forward added. “There’s Barış, there’s Noa Lang, and I have very valuable teammates supporting me behind me. So it wouldn’t be right for them to focus only on me.
“As Galatasaray, we have many players who can challenge defenses. I think tomorrow’s match will be a battle, almost a war. We will fight until the last drop of sweat on the court, and we will be the side that wants to win. Hopefully, we will be the winning side at the end of this long struggle.”
History slightly favours the visitors, who have rarely been beaten in Turin, while Osimhen himself carries an impressive personal record against Juventus.
