Osimhen Scores, Buruk Sent Off as Galatasaray End Pre-Season with Defeat

Victor Osimhen scored for Galatasaray but could not prevent the Turkish champions from suffering a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal in their final pre-season friendly at Rams Park.

Villarreal took the lead through Perez before Georges Mikautadze added a second, while Osimhen pulled one back for Galatasaray.

The defeat means Galatasaray won only one of their five pre-season friendlies, losing three and drawing one ahead of the new campaign.

The match was also marked by heated incidents involving Osimhen. The Nigerian striker became embroiled in a confrontation with Villarreal defender Mourino after the pair were involved in a double challenge during a Galatasaray attack.

Osimhen reacted angrily and players from both sides had to intervene to prevent the confrontation from escalating. Referee Kadir Sağlam eventually showed both players yellow cards.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk also saw red during a dramatic first half. The coach strongly protested the referee’s decision to award Villarreal a penalty for their opening goal and was shown two yellow cards in quick succession, resulting in his dismissal.

Buruk was forced to watch the remainder of the match from the stands as Galatasaray completed their pre-season with another defeat, despite Osimhen finding the net.

The Nigerian forward will now turn his attention to the competitive campaign as Galatasaray begin their title defence under Buruk.