Osimhen, who couldn’t find the back of the net during the match, assisted Noa Lang and Sacha Boey for Galatasaray’s last two goals.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen helped Turkish side Galatasaray defeat visiting Juventus 5–2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) play-offs on Tuesday night, providing two assists in the process.
The home side took the lead in the 15th minute through Gabriel Sara, but Juventus fought back with two goals from Teun Koopmeiners.
Galatasaray levelled the scores four minutes after the break when Noa Lang found the back of the net.
On the hour mark, the hosts regained the lead for the second time in the match through Davinson Sánchez.
Juventus were then reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute after Juan Cabal was sent off for a second bookable offence.
ALSO READ: Lookman takes on Onyedika as Atletico battle Club Brugge in UCL play-offs
Osimhen subsequently assisted Lang and Sacha Boey for Galatasaray’s final two goals.
Speaking after the match, Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk noted that the tie is not over despite the scoreline.
Analysing the match, he said: “We know our opponent’s strengths; sometimes, at this level, defending well wins the game. If we stay compact, and attack and defend together, we have a chance to secure an important victory.
”However, we must not forget that we are facing a very strong opponent. Currently, we are in our best physical, mental, and squad shape in Europe. We have players returning from injury, so we aim to be a team that starts well and finishes strongly.”
With this emphatic victory, Galatasaray will take a three-goal lead to Turin for the return leg next Wednesday.
