Frankfurt coach reveals how his side punished Galatasaray in Champions League clash without Eagles striker Victor Osimhen

Eintracht Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoller has revealed how his team’s hunger and tactical nous dismantled the Lions in a ruthless UEFA Champions League, UCL, display

Frankfurt turned a night of European promise for Galatasaray into a 5-1 Champions League nightmare, exploiting the Turkish side’s frailties without star striker Victor Osimhen.

Galatasaray started brightly, with Yunus Akgun’s stunning 8th-minute strike, a precise, powerful shot past Michael Zetterer, hinting at an upset.

But Frankfurt’s aggressive pressing and midfield dominance soon exposed their visitors’ vulnerabilities.

The tide turned in the 37th minute when a defensive mix-up saw Davinson Sanchez deflect Ritsu Doan’s lob into his own net, levelling the score.

The hosts then struck twice in first-half stoppage time: Can Uzun’s clinical turn-and-shot and Jonathan Burkardt’s glancing header from Fares Chaibi’s free-kick left Galatasaray reeling.

The second half was no kinder. Frankfurt’s relentless pressure led to another Sánchez own goal in the 67th minute, off a Nathaniel Brown cross, before Ansgar Knauff sealed the rout in the 88th, capitalising on a dispossession by Elye Wahi to slot past Ugurcan Çakır.

Galatasaray’s defence, porous without Osimhen’s attacking threat to balance their play, crumbled under Frankfurt’s onslaught.

“We knew Galatasaray take risks in build-up, and we capitalised, scoring twice from their errors,” Toppmoller told UEFA after the match.

“After 1-1, we were the only side threatening. The atmosphere was electric, and our hunger made the difference. This is an incredible night for the club.”

The result exposed Galatasaray’s over-reliance on Osimhen and lack of defensive solidity. As they face a daunting encounter against Liverpool next, manager Okan Buruk will hope his star striker returns to restore balance. Without him, the Lions look toothless and vulnerable at Europe’s highest level.