Galatasaray Humiliated: Trabzonspor Delivers Stunning 4-0 Knockout Blow!
Trabzonspor secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Galatasaray, ending the champions' unbeaten run, a result attributed to new manager Thomas Reis's tactical discipline and player focus, as highlighted by defender Chibuike Nwaiwu. The match also exposed Galatasaray's struggles in the absence of injured striker Victor Osimhen, drawing sharp criticism from pundit Michael Lahoud regarding player performance, particularly Rafael Leao's perceived lack of passion.
Trabzonspor delivered a stunning blow to Galatasaray's unbeaten start to the 2026-27 Turkish Süper Lig season, securing a remarkable 4-0 victory at Papara Park. The dominant performance saw Mohamed Salah net a hat-trick with goals in the fourth, 44th, and 80th minutes, complemented by Noah Saviolo's strike in the 39th minute. This significant win ended Galatasaray's perfect run and marked a triumphant debut for Trabzonspor's new manager, Thomas Reis.
Chibuike Nwaiwu, Trabzonspor's centre-back, played a pivotal role in the victory, completing the full 90 minutes and making a crucial defensive stop against Leroy Sané in the 15th minute. Nwaiwu revealed that the team's success was built on intense preparation during a challenging week and strict adherence to Reis's instructions. He recounted the half-time message from Reis, which emphasized the need to 'keep going, maintain the score, and that we could finish the match with even higher scores,' despite leading 3-0 against a formidable opponent like Galatasaray. Nwaiwu lauded Reis as a 'very good coach' and expressed confidence that he would become part of the team's family, dedicating the victory to the loyal Trabzonspor fans who supported them throughout the match. He stressed that this win should serve as a starting point for future successes, rather than a moment for complacency.
Conversely, the match was a painful experience for Galatasaray, particularly for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, who watched from the sidelines. Osimhen was absent due to a right-adductor injury sustained in early September, which is expected to keep him out until after the international break. CBS pundit Michael Lahoud strongly criticized Galatasaray's performance, asserting that the team looked 'very ordinary' without Osimhen. Lahoud, who had previously championed Galatasaray's UEFA Champions League prospects, expressed disappointment at their lack of passion.
Lahoud singled out Rafael Leao for particularly harsh criticism, questioning his contribution despite his reported €288,000 weekly salary. He described Leao as epitomizing the team's 'lack of passion,' suggesting he appeared to be 'on vacation' and needed to 'wake up again.' The pundit noted that while Leao's performance was subpar, Galatasaray's broader issues included losing possession in dangerous areas and failing to match Trabzonspor's intensity. The visitors' frustration was evident as coach Okan Buruk was sent off in the 72nd minute, followed by Lesley Ugochukwu's dismissal after a VAR review late in the game.
Lahoud's observations about Osimhen's impact are not new; he previously highlighted the Nigerian striker as the sole leader for the Nigerian national team during their 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign. His consistent emphasis on Osimhen's influence underscores how heavily Galatasaray's attacking identity relies on the injured star. This defeat, coupled with a 3-1 loss to Sporting CP in their Champions League opener, raises significant questions about Galatasaray's ability to perform at a high level without their key striker, even if Osimhen's presence alone would not guarantee a win.