Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has shown support for Galatasaray goalkeeper Günay Güvenç following his error in the club’s shocking Turkish Cup exit to Gençlerbirliği S.K. on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Galatasaray were knocked out in the quarter-final stage after a surprise 2-0 defeat, bringing their title defence to an end. The result was particularly unexpected, considering they had beaten the same opponents just days earlier in a Turkish Super League clash.
Experienced goalkeeper Günay Güvenç, who was making his 14th appearance of the season and had featured in all of Galatasaray’s cup matches this season, endured a difficult outing, as his mistake proved decisive in his side’s exit from the competition.
The 34-year-old could have done better for the opening goal, as his initial save rebounded kindly for Fıratcan Üzüm, who tapped home in the 51st minute to give Gençlerbirliği the lead.
Things went from bad to worse as Galatasaray pushed for an equaliser. Güvenç was again at fault for the second goal after misjudging a corner, dropping the ball and allowing Adama Traoré an easy finish. The goal doubled the visitors’ advantage and left Galatasaray with an uphill task they could not overcome.
Some sections of the home supporters voiced their frustration afterwards, whistling and booing the goalkeeper. After the final whistle, Güvenç was visibly emotional and broke down in tears before being comforted by his teammates.
After the match, the 27-year-old took to social media to publicly support his teammate, who had come under heavy criticism.
“We stand with Günay Güvenç. One moment doesn’t define a player. Mistakes are part of football. It can never outweigh the effort, commitment, and passion he brings to the team,” Osimhen wrote via Instagram.
“Football is a game of highs and lows. What truly matters is how we respond and how we support each other through those moments. To our fans, thank you for your support.”
The only major positive on the day was Osimhen’s return for Galatasaray S.K. after he had missed several matches due to injury.
Galatasaray will now look to move past their cup disappointment and shift focus to their league title defence.
Their next challenge comes against fierce rivals Fenerbahçe S.K. at RAMS Park on Sunday in what could prove to be a title decider.
Galatasaray currently lead the Super Lig with 71 points, four ahead of Fenerbahçe with four matches remaining.
