Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen inspired Galatasaray as they came from behind to defeat Göztepe 3-2 at RAMS Park on Saturday, in the third round of the Turkish Super Lig.
Göztepe scored in the 16th minute. Efkan Bekiroğlu sent a corner into the penalty area, where Novatus Miroshi found the back of the net to give the visitors an early 1-0 advantage.
Galatasaray gradually came back into the contest and drew level in the 33rd minute. A free-kick from Roland Sallai confused the Göztepe area, with the ball eventually deflecting off Davinson Sanchez into the visitors’ net.
Osimhen was close to giving Galatasaray the lead before halftime after receiving a pass from Sallai, but goalkeeper Matej Gugeshashvili made an important save, leaving the score tied at the break.
The home side continued to dominate after the restart and completed their comeback in the 55th minute when Gabriel Sara scored to make it 2-1.
Osimhen Inspires Galatasaray With His Goal
Osimhen then became directly involved in Galatasaray’s third goal. After he went down inside the box, a VAR review resulted in referee Mehmet Türkmen awarding a penalty in the 63rd minute. The Super Eagles striker took responsibility, converting confidently to put Galatasaray 3-1 ahead.
Göztepe, however, responded almost immediately. Juan scored with a header in the 65th minute following a long throw, cutting the deficit and creating a nervous ending for the home supporters.
Osimhen thought he scored again three minutes later, but his effort was disallowed after VAR ruled him offside. He remained a constant threat and was denied another goal by Gugeshashvili in stoppage time.
Despite late pressure from Göztepe, Galatasaray successfully protected their advantage to secure all three points and move to seven points from their first three league matches.
With a goal and an assist, Osimhen was among the standout performers in the encounter and deservedly named player of the match.
