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By Goli Innocent
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen made history on Wednesday night after finding the net in Juventus FC’s 3-2 win over Galatasaray S.K. in the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg.
Despite the defeat in Turin, Galatasaray advanced to the round of 16 on a 7-5 aggregate scoreline, having secured a commanding advantage in the first leg.
Juventus took the lead in the 37th minute when Manuel Locatelli converted from the penalty spot. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 70th minute through Federico Gatti, who finished from close range.
Weston McKennie appeared to put the tie beyond doubt in the 82nd minute with a well-placed header from a set-piece, stretching Juventus’ lead to 3-0 on the night.
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However, the Turkish champions responded in extra time. Osimhen pulled one back in the 106th minute after a precise assist from Barış Alper Yılmaz, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
Yılmaz then struck again in the 119th minute to seal a 3-2 result on the night, although it was not enough to overturn Galatasaray’s aggregate cushion.
Osimhen’s goal marked a major milestone in the club’s European history. The Nigerian forward moved to 13 goals in European competitions for Galatasaray, becoming the foreign player with the most goals for the club in continental tournaments.
He surpassed former forwards Milan Baroš and Shabani Nonda, who both scored 12 European goals for the Istanbul side. Mário Jardel (11) and Gheorghe Hagi (10) remain among the club’s notable contributors in Europe.
While Juventus celebrated victory on the night, it was Galatasaray who progressed to the last 16 with Osimhen further cementing his legacy as one of the club’s most decisive performers on the continental stage.
