Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has expressed a desire to avoid a Champions League last-16 clash with Liverpool, stating a potential rematch would feel “like some sort of revenge” for the Premier League club. The Turkish champions secured their place in the knockout stage after a 7-5 aggregate victory over Juventus on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, following a dramatic extra-time period.
Osimhen, who scored the decisive goal in extra time against Juventus, was speaking to CBS Sports when he revealed his preference for the upcoming draw on Friday. While acknowledging any opponent will present a challenge, he specifically voiced his hope to avoid Liverpool. “I indicate to be honest with you, meeting Liverpool now is going to be like some sort of revenge,” Osimhen said. “Anyone we meet now… I wouldn’t say much but I would like to escape Liverpool. But if they come, yeah, we’re going to dig it out but it’s not going to be easy.”
Galatasaray previously defeated Liverpool 1-0 during the league phase of the Champions League, with Osimhen converting a first-half penalty in Istanbul. The prospect of facing Arne Slot’s side at Anfield, or alternatively, Tottenham Hotspur, now looms large. Osimhen anticipates a particularly difficult atmosphere should Galatasaray be drawn to play Liverpool in England.
The Turkish side’s path to the last-16 was not without difficulty. After a 5-2 first-leg victory, Juventus mounted a spirited comeback in Turin, scoring three unanswered goals to level the aggregate score at 5-5. Juventus played for almost the entire match with ten men after Lloyd Kelly was sent off. Osimhen’s goal, followed by a strike from Barış Alper Yılmaz, ultimately sealed Galatasaray’s progression.
Speaking on the same broadcast, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher pressed Osimhen on his comments, to which the striker reiterated his desire to avoid a confrontation with the Reds. “Anyone we meet now… I wouldn’t say much but I would like to escape Liverpool,” he repeated. Osimhen acknowledged the high level of competition in the Champions League, stating, “This is Champions League, no team is easy.”
The Champions League last-16 draw is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 28, 2026, at 11am UK time (6am ET). Galatasaray will be drawn against either Liverpool or Atletico Madrid.
