Football

Osimhen scores as Galatasaray squanders Two-Goal lead

Galatasaray’s Nigerian forward #45 Victor Osimhen (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League, league phase matchday 7 football match between Galatasaray SK and FC Dynamo Kyiv at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi in Istanbul on January 21, 2025. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen scored his fourth Europa League goal in five matches, but Galatasaray relinquished a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Dynamo Kyiv in a thrilling encounter at RAMS Park on Monday.

Galatasaray started the match strongly, taking the lead in the sixth minute through a powerful header from Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez, who connected with a Dries Mertens corner. 

The hosts doubled their advantage shortly after, with a stunning long-range strike from Turkey international Abdulkerim Bardakci, leaving Kyiv’s goalkeeper Ruslan Neshcheret helpless.

Despite being two goals down, Kyiv showed resilience and managed to pull a goal back just before halftime. 

Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat reduced the deficit for the visitors, giving them hope going into the second half.

Eight minutes into the second half, Galatasaray were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. 

Osimhen confidently converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and restoring Galatasaray’s two-goal cushion. 

However, Kyiv refused to give up. Veteran forward Andriy Yarmolenko scored from a corner in the 68th minute, bringing Kyiv back into the game. 

Yarmolenko then completed his brace and secured a point for his team with a glancing header in the 81st minute, connecting with a precise cross from Vitaliy Buyalskyi.   

The draw means Galatasaray maintains their unbeaten record in the Europa League but has now drawn their last three matches in the competition. 

They currently sit fifth in the table with 13 points after seven games. For Kyiv, the draw marks their first point of the tournament this season, though they remain at the bottom of the table.   

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