Osimhen Fires Galatasaray Past Juventus in Extra-Time Thriller

Osimhen Fires Galatasaray Past Juventus in Extra-Time Thriller

By Our Reporter 

Victor Osimhen struck in extra time as Galatasaray S.K. overcame a spirited comeback from 10-man Juventus F.C. to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Holding a commanding 5-2 advantage from the first leg in Istanbul, the Turkish champions appeared in control of the tie. However, Juventus mounted a dramatic response in Turin, threatening to become only the fourth team in competition history to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit in the knockout stages.

Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli initiated the comeback with a composed first-half penalty after Lucas Torreira fouled Khephren Thuram inside the area. The hosts’ task was complicated further when defender Lloyd Kelly was shown a red card in the 49th minute, his second yellow upgraded to a straight dismissal following a VAR review.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Juventus refused to relent. Federico Gatti tapped in from close range after a delivery by Pierre Kalulu, reigniting belief at the Allianz Stadium. With eight minutes remaining, American midfielder Weston McKennie headed home to level the tie at 5-5 on aggregate, sending the home crowd into raptures.

But as fatigue set in during extra time and Juventus squandered further opportunities, Galatasaray regained control. Osimhen calmly finished low after being picked out by Barış Alper Yılmaz to restore the visitors’ advantage in a pulsating encounter.

Yilmaz then turned scorer himself, racing clear on the break before slotting past goalkeeper Mattia Perin to seal a memorable victory.

Galatasaray advance to the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since the 2013–14 season, where they will meet either Liverpool F.C. or Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in the next round.