Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has spoken out after his side were held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted Corum FK in the opening match of the 2026/27 Turkish Super League season. Victor Osimhen scored twice, including a late equaliser, after Corum FK overturned a deficit with two quick goals.
Osimhen's Brace Rescues a Point for the Champions
Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute, netting the first goal of the new campaign. However, Corum FK responded with goals from Alexandros Kyziridis and Jesus Ramirez in quick succession to take the lead. As noted by TV100, the newly promoted side looked capable of leaving with all three points, but Osimhen intervened in the closing stages to deny them a famous debut victory.
The Nigerian striker's brace was the standout individual contribution of the afternoon. While it was not enough to secure maximum points, it underlined Osimhen's importance to Galatasaray's campaign ahead of a demanding season.
Buruk's Post-Match Assessment
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Buruk shared his assessment, acknowledging that the draw was not the outcome the champions were targeting at home. He told GS TV: "We're not 100% ready. No team is 100% ready, and neither are we. I said beforehand about this tough match; the matches after the World Cup being played on different dates... The players are in a preparation period... But of course, we needed to get through this period by winning."
He added: "We're disappointed, of course we are. We're not used to this kind of thing. We're used to winning, especially at home. We've always played that dominant game. Maybe there have been matches where we played worse and still won. We will do better, we will do it in time."
What's Next for Galatasaray and Corum FK
Buruk's side will turn their attention to their next fixture, an away trip against Erzurumspor, another club making their debut in the Super League this season. The encounter will be Galatasaray's first road test of the campaign and a chance for the champions to bounce back from the opening-day stumble.
Corum FK, meanwhile, can take considerable encouragement from their ability to fight back and lead against the defending champions, even if they ultimately could not hold on for the full three points.
Legit.ng previously reported that Osimhen scored the first goal of the Turkish Super League season with his 53rd-minute strike. He took the honour from teammate Yunus Akgun, whose first-half goal was disallowed for offside.
