Having been sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained on international duty, Osimhen's inclusion in the starting lineup was a calculated risk by the Cimbom coaching staff. While his return did not yield the match-winning goal many fans had hoped for, the Nigerian striker’s 89-minute shift offered a clear glimpse into his vital, if unpolished, role in this Galatasaray side.
The Impact of an Early Return
Osimhen's pre-match availability had been the subject of intense media speculation, and his quick recovery from an injury that typically demands three to four weeks of rest raised eyebrows. His presence, however, was a major psychological boost for Galatasaray, who had struggled for form and goals in the two matches he missed.
From the outset, Osimhen was deployed at the spearhead of the attack, tasked with unsettling a resolute Fenerbahçe defence and providing the aerial threat that has become his hallmark.
Performance Analysis: An Influential, Yet Subdued, Display
In a tight, tactical derby dominated by midfield battles and defensive discipline, chances were scarce. While Leroy Sané opened the scoring for Galatasaray with a deflected strike, Osimhen's performance was more about effort and tactical utility than spectacular individual brilliance.
Aerial Dominance: He was constantly involved in aerial duels, particularly from goal kicks and long clearances, using his height and leap to battle defenders. In the 23rd minute, he rose highest to meet an İlkay Gündoğan free-kick but sent his header just wide—a sign of intent that ultimately went unrewarded.
Off-the-Ball Movement: Osimhen’s tireless running and willingness to press the Fenerbahçe backline created crucial space for attacking midfielders like Sané and Kerem Aktürkoğlu. This selfless movement was arguably his most valuable contribution, though it often left him physically isolated against multiple defenders.
Chance Creation: In the 49th minute, he demonstrated his power and shot-stopping ability, latching onto a pass from Sané and firing a strong shot from the edge of the box that forced a good save from the Fenerbahçe goalkeeper.
The Caution: The striker was booked in the 71st minute, underscoring the high-intensity nature of the derby and the frustration that occasionally crept into his game as scoring opportunities dried up.
The Verdict: Fitness and Future Implications
Substituted in the 89th minute, just before Fenerbahçe snatched a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser via Jhon Durán, Osimhen departed the field having played a significant, if somewhat subdued, role.
The immediate takeaway is that the talisman is physically fit enough to endure a nearly full 90-minute shift in one of the most demanding fixtures of the season. However, his overall rating reflects a performance where his match sharpness appeared slightly blunted by the layoff.
For Galatasaray, the risk paid off in maintaining their top-of-the-table position, and the successful reintroduction of their most prized asset is a major boost as the league enters a critical phase. With European ambitions still in the balance and the title race intensifying, a fully firing Victor Osimhen remains Galatasaray's most potent weapon. His work rate in the derby suggests the goals will soon follow once he rediscovers his rhythm.