Victor Osimhen scored twice as Galatasaray handed Tottenham Hotspur their first defeat of the Europa League season, securing a 3-2 victory in Istanbul on Thursday that propelled the Turkish champions to the top of Group D.
Osimhen’s brace, combined with an early stunner from Yunus Akgun, helped Galatasaray extend their perfect record in the competition to four matches, leaving them with 10 points and all but guaranteeing their qualification for the knockout stage. In contrast, Spurs dropped to fifth place after losing their 100% record in the group.
The match kicked off in explosive fashion, with Galatasaray taking the lead in the sixth minute through a sensational long-range volley by Yunus Akgun. The Turkish winger rifled the ball into the top corner, leaving Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster with no chance.
But Spurs responded quickly. Just 12 minutes later, teenage striker Will Lankshear—making only his second appearance for the senior team—slotted home from close range after Brennan Johnson’s perfectly placed pass across the goal.
However, Galatasaray regained control before halftime, with Osimhen taking center stage. The Nigerian striker put his side back in front after 32 minutes, finishing a rebound from a corner. Just eight minutes later, Osimhen doubled his tally with a clever volley from Dries Mertens’ cross, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, Osimhen has been in outstanding form, now boasting six goals in eight appearances for the Turkish side.
Despite some promising moments, Galatasaray’s dominance continued in the second half. Spurs, however, were handed a further setback when Lankshear was sent off for two quick yellow cards, leaving Tottenham a man down for much of the final half hour.
Spurs’ hopes were briefly revived when Dominic Solanke, introduced as a substitute by manager Ange Postecoglou, pulled one back in the 69th minute with a clinical strike. But the visitors’ chances of completing a comeback were slim, and Galatasaray saw out the remaining minutes with relative comfort.
With the win, Galatasaray moved to the top of Group D, ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt on goal difference. The German side also recorded a win on Thursday, with Omar Marmoush scoring a superb free-kick to give them a 1-0 victory over Slavia Prague. Marmoush’s 13th goal of the season came shortly after the break, helping Frankfurt keep pace with the group leaders.
Athletic Bilbao secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Ludogorets to sit in third place, with Inaki Williams and Nico Serrano scoring in a two-minute blitz in the second half.
Meanwhile, Roma’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium. Kevin Mac Allister’s 77th-minute goal ensured the hosts claimed their second point of the competition, leaving Roma in a difficult position as they fight for progression.
With Galatasaray’s win, they have now firmly established themselves as the team to beat in Group D, and Osimhen’s goalscoring form has made them even more dangerous in the latter stages of the tournament. For Tottenham, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back from their first defeat and keep their qualification hopes alive.
