Galatasaray’s unbeaten run in the Turkish Super League came to a shocking end on Sunday as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to newly promoted Kocaelispor.
The result not only stunned fans but also stirred controversy after Victor Osimhen’s late goal was ruled out for offside — a decision that left many baffled.
Coming off a sensational Champions League night where Osimhen netted a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Ajax, the Turkish champions were favourites to extend their domestic dominance. Yet, despite their European brilliance, Galatasaray looked out of rhythm in Izmit as Kocaelispor matched their intensity from the first whistle.
English-born Ghanaian forward Daniel Agyei scored the decisive goal just before halftime, capitalising on a rare defensive lapse from the champions.
Galatasaray pressed hard for an equaliser after the break, and when Osimhen found the net late in the game, the away fans erupted. However, the celebration was cut short as VAR upheld an offside call — despite replays showing a defender’s leg keeping the striker onside.
Buruk admits lapse in focus and fatigue
Head coach Okan Buruk offered a frank post-match assessment, admitting his side lacked the energy and hunger shown by their opponents.
ALSO READ:
- Osimhen becomes Galatasaray’s first hat-trick hero, tops UCL scoring chart, and surpasses Martins’ Nigerian record
- Osimhen nets brace, breaks Yilmaz’s Galatasaray record in Champions League win over Bodo/Glimt
- Osimhen, Hakimi, Salah, and rising talents make 2025 CAF Awards nominations
- World Cup Hope Alive: Osimhen hat-trick sends Nigeria to playoffs
“First, we have to accept that our opponent started the game with more enthusiasm than us,” Buruk told GS TV.
“Of course, in an away match, our opponent showed that enthusiasm during the game, with their own fans present. We, however, couldn’t display the same concentration, the same desire, and the same fight.”
The manager also suggested that the team’s busy schedule had begun to take its toll, especially after consecutive high-intensity matches in Europe.
“Fatigue played a part,” Buruk said.
“We didn’t show the quality I expect from this group of players offensively.”
Although the defeat ended their perfect league start, Galatasaray remain top of the Turkish Super League, one point clear of fierce rivals Fenerbahce heading into the international break.
Tags: Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray, first league defeat, Fenerbahce, Turkish Super Lig, Okan Buruk, Kocaelispor, Daniel Agyei, VAR, Ajax.
