Osimhen Scores and Assists as Galatasaray Beat Alanyaspor 3-1 to Stay Top
Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen was on target as Galatasaray S.K. secured a hard-fought 3-1 win over Alanyaspor on Saturday night.
The Super Eagles striker returned to the starting eleven after helping the Turkish giants reach the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over a decade. Playing in front of their home supporters, Galatasaray knew a victory was important to keep their place at the top of the league table.
The visitors began brightly and created a few early chances but failed to make them count. Galatasaray thought they had gone ahead midway through the first half when Sacha Boey found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a video review.
Osimhen then missed a clear chance in the 41st minute, sending his effort over the bar from close range. However, the home side eventually broke the deadlock just before the interval. Lucas Torreira delivered a fine pass to Boey, who calmly finished to give Galatasaray a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Alanyaspor responded quickly after the restart, drawing level through Benin forward Steve Mounié. But the equaliser did not last long. Osimhen turned provider, setting up Torreira with a neat pass, and the midfielder made no mistake to restore his team’s advantage.
The Nigerian striker had another opportunity in the closing stages when he went through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but he failed to convert. He made amends in the 89th minute, calmly scoring to seal the 3-1 victory.
Osimhen was replaced shortly after by Mauro Icardi, leaving the pitch to loud applause from the fans.
The win takes Galatasaray to 58 points from 24 matches, five points clear of rivals Fenerbahçe S.K., who still have a game in hand. The defending champions will hope their rivals drop points as they continue their push to retain the league title.
