By Our Reporter
Galatasaray produced a ruthless second-half display to thrash Juventus 5-2 in Istanbul, leaving the Italian side’s UEFA Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
Despite failing to score, Victor Osimhen played a key role in the Turkish champions’ attacking surge as Juventus imploded after the break in the first leg of their play-off tie.
Juventus showed early resilience. After Gabriel Sara capitalised on a defensive error to give Galatasaray the lead, Teun Koopmeiners equalised within two minutes, tapping in after a saved header. The Dutch midfielder then fired Juventus ahead with a superb strike from distance, completing a quick turnaround before halftime.
However, the game shifted dramatically in the second half. Baris Yilmaz tormented the Juventus defence, setting up Noa Lang for the equaliser before Galatasaray regained the lead through a deflected effort that wrong-footed Michele Di Gregorio.
Juventus’ hopes of recovery suffered a major blow when substitute Juan Cabal was sent off for two bookings in quick succession, leaving the visitors to battle with 10 men for the final 20 minutes.
Galatasaray took full advantage. Defensive lapses allowed Lang to grab his second of the night, while sustained pressure saw the hosts add a fifth late on to seal a commanding first-leg advantage.
The heavy defeat leaves Juventus facing a daunting task in the return leg next week, needing a major turnaround to keep their Champions League campaign alive.