Nigeria and Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen’s scored a brace as the Turkish club defeated Tottenham 3-2 in their Europa League clash on Thursday Evening.
Galatasaray now sits in third with 10 points from four games, virtually securing their spot in the knock-out play-off round, while Tottenham has dropped to seventh after losing their perfect record.
The match opened with a stunning sixth-minute goal from Yunus Akgun, who struck a long-range volley into the top corner. Tottenham responded quickly as young striker, Will Lankshear scored his first senior goal in the 18th minute, converting Brennan Johnson’s pass.
However, Galatasaray regained control before halftime, with Osimhen scoring twice within eight minutes. The Nigerian star first put his team ahead just after the half-hour mark, then skillfully volleyed in a cross from Dries Mertens past Spurs’ goalkeeper Fraser Forster. Osimhen has now netted six goals in eight appearances since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli.
Despite missing chances to extend their lead, Galatasaray stayed in control as Spurs’ comeback hopes dwindled after Lankshear was sent off with two quick yellow cards. Tottenham managed a late goal from substitute Dominic Solanke in the 69th minute, but Galatasaray held firm to claim the win.
Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt moved to second, trailing Galatasaray on goals scored, after Omar Marmoush’s superb free-kick secured a 1-0 victory over Slavia Prague. Athletic Bilbao also climbed the standings, coming from behind to beat Ludogorets 2-1 with goals from Inaki Williams and Nico Serrano.
Meanwhile, Roma’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, with Kevin Mac Allister’s late goal earning the hosts their second point of the competition.
