Key reason Victor Osimhen rated Barcelona over LOSC Lille

Victor Osimhen has explained why Barcelona presented a greater challenge than LOSC Lille after Galatasaray bounced back from a disappointing home defeat with a 4-2 victory in France.

The Super Eagles striker was part of the Galatasaray team that suffered a 4-1 defeat against Barcelona at RAMS Park on October 13. Osimhen then helped Okan Buruk’s side secure an important Champions League victory away to Lille on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international has pointed to Barcelona’s managerial quality, individual talent and the difficulty of facing a team capable of punishing mistakes. However, he also praised Galatasaray’s resilience after they recovered from a difficult first half against Lille.

Victor Osimhen: Barcelona’s star power and Galatasaray’s improved response

Osimhen identified Barcelona’s coaching and the quality of their players as major reasons the Spanish giants proved difficult to contain in Istanbul.

“Barcelona has one of the world’s best coaches. They have truly important names like Yamal, Rodri, Pedri. You know you’re going to have a tough time in that match,” Osimhen said per Le Marca Sports.

Barcelona totally dominated the clash at the RAMS Park. Hansi Flick’s side enjoyed 65 per cent possession, registered 23 shots and completed 92 per cent of their passes against Galatasaray.

The Turkish champions managed only two shots in the entire match, and faced difficulties in creating opportunities against Barcelona’s pressure and control.

Galatasaray produced an exciting response against Lille, however, to secure their first Champions League win of the campaign.

Galatasaray had 46 per cent possession and registered 10 shots, including four on target, while showing greater composure in possession and on the counter-attack.

Victor Osimhen delivered a performance close to his best, scoring a fine second half goal and being a menace to the Lille defence until he was substituted with five minutes left on the clock.

Osimhen, who hit a few milestones in the match, acknowledged Lille’s quality but stressed that his team had approached the contest with determination.

“But when we come here (to face Lille), we know they’re a formidable opponent, and we have to fight and do everything we can. We thought about it and managed to give a reaction even when we fell behind and secure the victory by doing our best,” he added.

The victory was particularly important for Galatasaray’s Champions League campaign, earning them their first three points of the league phase and moving them into 23rd place.

Next in the Champions League, Galatasaray and Osimhen welcome German side VfB Stuttgart to RAMS Park with another win key to boosting their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.