Galatasaray began their 2026/27 Turkish Super League title defence with a frustrating 2-2 draw against newly promoted Corum FK, despite a brilliant two-goal performance from Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker twice found the back of the net, including a late equaliser that prevented the champions from suffering a shock home defeat on the opening day.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, becoming the first player to score in the new Super League campaign. Galatasaray appeared to be in control, but Corum FK showed remarkable character on their top-flight debut.
Alexandros Kyziridis and Jesus Ramirez struck in quick succession to turn the game on its head and put the visitors within touching distance of a memorable victory.
With Galatasaray staring at an embarrassing opening-day defeat, Osimhen stepped up again in the closing stages. His second goal restored parity and ensured the champions left with at least a point.
Buruk admits Galatasaray are not yet at their best
Speaking after the match, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk admitted that his team are still working towards full match fitness and consistency.
“We’re not 100% ready. No team is 100% ready, and neither are we,” Buruk said in his post-match comments to GS TV.
The manager acknowledged that Galatasaray wanted to begin their title defence with a victory, particularly in front of their home supporters.
“We’re disappointed, of course we are. We’re not used to this kind of thing. We’re used to winning, especially at home,” he added.
Buruk also pointed out that his side have built a reputation for dominating matches at home and promised that performances would improve as the season progresses.
“We will do better, we will do it in time,” he said.
Osimhen sends message amid Arsenal transfer rumours
Osimhen’s performance comes at a time when his future continues to attract significant attention across Europe.
Arsenal have reportedly made enquiries about the conditions required to sign the 26-year-old, while other major European clubs are also believed to be monitoring his situation.
However, Osimhen remained calm when asked about the speculation following the draw.
“Rumours always circulate during transfer seasons. I’ll focus on my job. I’m focused on my work. We’ll see and think about the future then,” he told GS TV.
For now, his immediate focus appears to be on Galatasaray. His two goals against Corum FK demonstrated once again why the Turkish champions value him so highly and why his potential departure would be a major blow.
Galatasaray face another newly promoted side
Galatasaray will now look to put the disappointing draw behind them when they travel to face Erzurumspor in their first away fixture of the new league campaign.
Another newly promoted team awaits Buruk’s side, giving the champions an early opportunity to respond and claim their first three points of the season.
Corum FK, meanwhile, can take plenty of confidence from their performance. They came from behind against the defending champions, briefly took the lead and looked capable of producing one of the biggest opening-day surprises in recent Turkish football.
But in the end, Osimhen’s finishing quality proved decisive.
For Galatasaray, the result was a warning that defending their title will not be straightforward. For Osimhen, however, the opening weekend could hardly have provided a stronger reminder of his importance to the champions.
