Victor Osimhen played a key role as Galatasaray produced one of the biggest nights in their European history with a stunning 5-2 win over Juventus in the first leg of their knockout play-off in the UEFA Champions League, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian striker did not score, but he created two goals and caused constant problems for the Italian defence. His sharp movement and calm passing helped Galatasaray turn a difficult match into a famous victory that puts them in a strong position ahead of next week’s return leg in Turin.
The result also rewrote the record books.
No team had ever scored five goals against Juventus in a Champions League match before. Galatasaray also became the first Turkish club to hit five goals in a single Champions League game and the first from the country to score five against an Italian side in European competition.
Noa Lang made history too, becoming the first Galatasaray player to score twice on his Champions League debut.
Midfielder Gabriel Sara joined an elite club by both scoring and assisting in a knockout match, something only Wesley Sneijder had done before for Galatasaray.
It was a painful evening for Juventus. They had never conceded five goals in a Champions League game until now, and the heavy defeat leaves them facing a huge task to stay in Europe.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Galatasaray vs Juventus: Second-half storm seals famous win
The match did not start smoothly for the home side. Galatasaray struck first after a defensive error allowed Gabriel Sara to score, but Juventus hit back almost immediately through Teun Koopmeiners. The Dutch midfielder then scored again before half-time to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
After the break, everything changed.
Noa Lang tapped in the equaliser from close range, lifting the crowd inside the stadium. Soon after, Davinson Sanchez powered home a header to put Galatasaray in front.
Juventus’ problems grew worse when substitute Juan Cabal was sent off for a second yellow card.
With an extra man, Galatasaray took full control.
Osimhen set up Lang for his second goal to make it 4-2, before providing another assist late on for Sacha Boey to finish the scoring.
The Turkish champions also dominated the statistics, creating the most big chances, posting the highest expected goals figure, and spending more time in Juventus’ penalty area than any team has managed against them this season.
For Osimhen, it was another strong creative display, with two assists in consecutive matches, something he had never done before in his career. The Nigerian striker had provided two assists in the 5-2 win over Eyuspor at the weekend.
Galatasaray now travel to Italy full of confidence, knowing they are just one strong performance away from the Champions League last 16.
