Osimhen pulls the strings as Galatasaray edge Liverpool in UCL
Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen was the protagonist at the Rams Park Stadium last night, providing the vital assist as Galatasaray secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the
Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen was the protagonist at the Rams Park Stadium last night, providing the vital assist as Galatasaray secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Despite an initial surge of pressure from the visitors, the Turkish giants struck early in the 7th minute. Following a corner, Victor Osimhen showed great awareness to nod the ball back across the face of goal, allowing Mario Lemina to clinically dive in and head home.
The hosts refused to sit back after the opener. Galatasaray’s relentless momentum forced Liverpool’s Giorgi Mamardashvili into a series of world-class saves to keep the deficit at one.
Just after the hour mark, Osimhen appeared to have doubled the lead with a simple tap-in, but the goal was chalked off after Baris Alper Yilmaz was ruled offside in the build-up.
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In the 70th minute, Liverpool thought they had levelled the score during a chaotic goalmouth scramble. However, a VAR review determined the ball had struck Ibrahima Konate’s hand before crossing the line.
It was a frustrating night for Liverpool manager Arne Slot, marking his 100th match in charge with a narrow defeat. While Hugo Ekitike came close with a clever chip, Galatasaray keeper Ugurcan Cakir produced a stunning reflex save to ensure the clean sheet remained intact.
Liverpool will host Galatasaray in the second leg on March 18.
TODAY’S MATCHES
Leverkusen vs. Arsenal
Bodø / Glimt vs. Sporting CP
PSG vs. Chelsea
Madrid vs. Man City
