Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk, has described his team’s 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League as a proud moment for Turkish football.
Speaking after the match on Thursday night, Buruk said, “Tonight, we didn’t just play for Galatasaray; we played for Turkish football.”
He explained that the victory was more than a game; it was a demonstration of the strength and quality of Turkish teams against a Premier League club.
Buruk shared his thoughts on the club’s official website, saying, “We showed exactly what a Turkish team can do to a Premier League side. It’s time we do our talking on the field — not off it.”
The team used a unique 3-4-1-2 formation that helped them control the game against Tottenham, with Buruk adding that the team’s intense preparation made a big difference.
“This was one of the most dominant performances Turkish football has seen against an English club. We forced Tottenham into mistakes they rarely make,” he said.
Victor Osimhen shone in the match, scoring two crucial goals in the first half, helping Galatasaray take a strong lead. Buruk praised Osimhen’s hard work, saying, “He gave everything despite being tired, and it paid off spectacularly. We could have scored 7 or 8 goals if we had converted all our chances.”
Yunus Akgün also made an early impact by scoring just six minutes in. Tottenham’s Will Lankshear equalized, but Osimhen’s two goals quickly restored and extended Galatasaray’s lead, sending the crowd at Ali Sami Yen Stadium into cheers.
Buruk applauded the fans for their passionate support, saying, “The fans and the players worked together as one. We created chances, applied pressure, and showed what the quality of the Turkish league truly is. This wasn’t just a game; it was a reminder of what our teams are capable of.”
In the second half, Tottenham tried to make a comeback, with Dominic Solanke scoring in the 69th minute. However, Galatasaray’s defense held firm, and Buruk’s substitutions helped the team stay strong until the end.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Buruk said, “We’re building our reputation, contributing to our country’s ranking, and proving that Turkish football deserves respect. Our teams are winning against Europe’s best, and that speaks volumes.”
Galatasaray now looks forward to their next league game against Samsunspor, inspired by a win that resonates across Turkish football.
