Nigerian star Victor Osimhen on Thursday night netted twice as Galatasaray edged out a 10-man Tottenham side, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory in their Europa League encounter.
Galatasaray took an early lead in the 6th minute when Yunus Akgun struck a stunning shot from the edge of the box, sending the ball soaring into the top right corner, leaving the Tottenham defence and goalkeeper no chance.
Tottenham, however, responded swiftly. In the 18th minute, Brennan Johnson set up Will Lankshear for an easy tap-in, levelling the score at 1-1.
Osimhen was lively throughout the first half, narrowly missing a chance in the 25th minute with a low shot saved by Fraser Forster. Shortly after, a powerful rebound attempt from Dries Mertens just missed the left post.
The Nigerian’s persistence paid off in the 31st minute when he latched onto a precise through ball from Mertens and fired a superb shot into the bottom right corner, putting Galatasaray back in the lead at 2-1.
Minutes later, Osimhen struck again, finding the net from close range following another Mertens cross, extending Galatasaray’s lead to 3-1.
Despite being reduced to ten men when Lankshear received his second yellow card and was sent off in the 60th minute, Tottenham fought on.
Dominic Solanke added a touch of brilliance with a delightful back-heel finish in the 69th minute, courtesy of an assist from Pedro Porro, closing the gap to 3-2.
Galatasaray almost extended their lead in the 76th minute, but Mauro Icardi’s goal was ruled offside, keeping the match tight until the final whistle.
Osimhen’s stellar performance proved decisive, and Galatasaray celebrated a hard-fought victory in what was an electrifying encounter.