Galatasaray suffer Champions League disgrace as absence of €75m Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen proves costly

A night that promised European drama for Galatasaray instead became a humiliating spectacle in Germany, as Eintracht Frankfurt capitalised on the Turkish side's glaring vulnerabilities to inflict on their visitors a ruthless 5-1 Champions League defeat. 

With star striker Victor Osimhen absent, the Lions were exposed, their attack toothless and their defence porous in a performance that will send a shiver down their collective spine ahead of a daunting trip to Anfield.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk opted for a cautious yet counter-attacking approach, a game plan that seemed tailor-made for the pace of players like Yunus Akgun. 

Frankfurt, meanwhile, came out with an aggressive, pressing style, aiming to dominate the midfield and exploit any gaps left by their visitors. 

What began as a contest of contrasting philosophies quickly devolved into a one-sided masterclass from the Germans, with Galatasaray's early lead proving to be a deceptive mirage.

In the 8th minute, Galatasaray struck first, a moment that hinted at a potential upset. A swift counter-attack saw Akgun receive a ball from Leroy Sane. 

The winger cut inside with purpose, evading a challenge before unleashing a powerful, precise shot that flew past Frankfurt's goalkeeper, Michael Zetterer. 

The goal was a beautiful piece of individual skill and a testament to the tactical discipline of the Turkish side, who had capitalised on their first real opportunity. For a brief moment, it looked as though their disciplined game plan would pay off.

Frankfurt, however, were not to be deterred. They continued to apply relentless pressure, and in the 37th minute, their persistence was rewarded. 

The goal, a cruel twist of fate for Galatasaray, came from a defensive mix-up. Ritsu Doan pounced on some loose defending, and his attempted lob was diverted into the net by the unfortunate Davinson Sanchez. 

It was a calamitous own goal, a moment of pure misfortune that completely shifted the momentum of the match.

Just when Galatasaray seemed poised to head into the break with their heads held high, the plot thickened in the most dramatic fashion. 

The hosts completed a stunning turnaround with two goals in first-half added time, leaving the visitors reeling.

First, Jonathan Burkardt drove down the right flank before sending the ball into the box. Can Uzun showed remarkable composure, controlling the ball on the turn and rifling a shot into the top corner. 

It was a goal of exceptional quality, a strike that showcased the young forward's clinical finishing.

Moments later, the architects of the second goal combined once more. Fares Chaibi delivered a perfectly weighted inswinging free-kick, and Burkardt, who had just provided the assist, now got on the scoresheet himself with a glancing header that left the goalkeeper helpless. 

The two quick-fire goals were a sucker punch that completely undressed Galatasaray's defensive organisation.

If Galatasaray felt deflated, their second-half performance did little to suggest otherwise. Frankfurt maintained their control, defending with discipline and remaining dangerous on the counter. 

The hosts extended their lead in the 67th minute, with Nathaniel Brown delivering a cross that found Burkardt. 

The German striker's header took a cruel deflection off Sánchez, once again finding its way into the net. It was a cruel stroke of luck for the Lions and another sign that their night was unravelling.

The humiliation was complete in the 88th minute. Elye Wahi dispossessed Galatasaray on the edge of their own penalty area, the ball fell to Ansgar Knauff, who rounded goalkeeper Uğurcan Cakır and slotted into an empty net. 

It was a goal that encapsulated the night's narrative, Frankfurt's relentless press, Galatasaray's fatal errors, and the feeling of a team completely out of its depth.

This result will serve as a harsh wake-up call for Galatasaray. While their early goal offered a glimpse of their potential, the subsequent collapse exposed a team that lacks the depth and defensive solidity required to compete at the highest level of European football. 

The absence of Victor Osimhen was palpable; without his presence, the Turkish Lions looked toothless and predictable in attack. 

The reliance on individual moments of brilliance rather than a coherent attacking system will surely worry manager Okan Buruk.

Galatasaray now face a formidable challenge in their next Champions League journey against Liverpool. They will be hoping that Osimhen is fit for that one because, as this match proved, they desperately need his firepower and presence to stand a chance.