By Our Reporter
Turkish giants Galatasaray pulled off a stunning 1-0 win over Liverpool in a UEFA Champions League group stage clash yesterday, thanks to a spirited performance that kept the Anfield side at bay throughout the night.
The match, played at a packed RAMS Park in Istanbul, saw Victor Osimhen deliver a man-of-the-match performance, tormenting Liverpool’s backline with his pace, strength, and relentless pressing. The Nigerian striker, who joined Galatasaray in a record-breaking move earlier this season, proved decisive both in attack and in leading from the front.
Galatasaray’s breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Osimhen bullied Liverpool’s defense into a costly error, intercepting a misplaced pass before setting up Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who slotted home the only goal of the game.
Despite Liverpool’s late push, with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez both forcing saves from Fernando Muslera, the home side held firm, sealing a memorable night for the Turkish fans.
UEFA named Osimhen as the official Man of the Match, praising his tireless energy, physical dominance, and key role in the winning goal. The 26-year-old forward has now been directly involved in three goals in Galatasaray’s Champions League campaign, quickly becoming a fan favorite in Istanbul.
Speaking after the match, Osimhen said:
> “This victory is for the fans. They created an incredible atmosphere tonight, and we knew we had to fight for every ball. Beating a team like Liverpool shows what we can achieve if we stay focused.”
The result places Galatasaray in a strong position in their group, while Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool face an uphill battle to reclaim control after an unconvincing performance on the road.