Ahead of Galatasaray’s visit in the Champions League, Lille defender Alexsandro has warned his former club teammate, striker Victor Osimhen: “It will be war tomorrow, but it will also be magnificent.” Both teams are still looking for their first win in the competition.
The Stade Pierre-Mauroy is set to come alive for an unprecedented duel. This Wednesday, 21 October 2026, LOSC host Galatasaray on matchday three of the Champions League league phase. It is an important game for two sides who have yet to taste victory in this competition. But beyond the points at stake, it is one head-to-head that everyone is waiting for: Alexsandro against Victor Osimhen, two former club teammates.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, centre-back Alexsandro did not shy away from the subject. According to comments reported by Foot-Africa.com and Le Petit Lillois, he said: “It will be war tomorrow, but it will also be magnificent.” A line that sets the tone for the evening before this Lille-Galatasaray clash.
Two teams chasing their first win
Lille began their Champions League campaign with two defeats, against Real Betis (2-3) and then at Arsenal (0-3), conceding six goals in total. Galatasaray are also without a win in the Champions League, after losses to Sporting CP (1-3) and FC Barcelona (1-4).
For Alexsandro, the challenge is twofold: contain Osimhen, whom he knew as a club teammate, and get LOSC back on track in the competition. The defender will have to measure himself against his former partner, in a match whose promise of “war” signals the tension.
Absences on both sides
For this meeting, both coaches must make do without several players. On the Turkish side, Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk must do without the injured Rafael Leão, while Lucas Torreira remains doubtful, according to Foot-Africa.com. In the Lille ranks, LOSC coach Davide Ancelotti is without the injured Tiago Santos and Ueda, while Ethan Mbappé is suspended.
Nabil Bentaleb, the Algeria international, is tipped to start in midfield alongside Benjamin André, according to the probable line-ups published by Foot-Africa.com. This information is not official at this stage.
A first meeting and kick-off imminent
This will be the very first meeting between Lille and Galatasaray in official European competition, as AfricaFoot points out. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:45 GMT, 18:45 Paris time, at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.