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Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí has described Victor Osimhen as one of the world’s best forwards ahead of the Spanish club’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Galatasaray on Tuesday evening.
The 19-year-old centre-back acknowledged the threat posed by the Nigerian striker, who is expected to lead Galatasaray’s attack when the teams meet at Rams Park.
Osimhen heads into the encounter in impressive form, having scored or provided an assist in each of his first five appearances in the Turkish Süper Lig this season. His performances have made him a key figure for the Turkish champions as they prepare to face the Spanish giants.
Cubarsí recalls previous meeting
The upcoming fixture will not be the first time Cubarsí has faced Osimhen in the Champions League. The pair previously met during the 2023-2024 campaign, when Barcelona defeated Napoli 3-1 to advance in the competition.
Osimhen failed to score in that encounter, but Cubarsí made it clear that Barcelona would not underestimate the forward ahead of their latest meeting.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the defender recalled his previous experience against the Nigerian international and highlighted the challenge awaiting his team.
“In my first match a few years ago, I played against Victor Osimhen. We expect to face an opponent who knows what he wants to do in attack,” he told reporters.
Barcelona prepare for Osimhen threat
Cubarsí acknowledged Osimhen’s standing among the game’s leading attackers while insisting that Barcelona would work to limit his influence.
“It will be clear that they are playing at home. Osimhen is one of the best forwards in the world.
“We will do our best to ensure he doesn’t cause us any trouble tomorrow night.”
Playing at Rams Park could provide Galatasaray with additional motivation, with their supporters expected to create a challenging atmosphere for the visitors.
Osimhen is expected to feature in Galatasaray’s starting lineup after returning to action against Kasimpasa last Friday without any apparent injury problems.