Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen returned to action for Galatasaray after a 35-day absence due to a groin injury. He came on in the 77th minute at RAMS Park as Galatasaray sought to regain control against Kasımpaşa. Osimhen made an immediate impact, setting up Mario Lemina for Galatasaray's third goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time to seal the victory. This win boosts Galatasaray ahead of its crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona.
The match began with Galatasaray taking the lead shortly before half-time through Abdülkerim Bardakcı, who headed home from a free-kick in the 45th minute after a VAR review confirmed the goal. However, the match became more complicated for Galatasaray when Lucas Torreira was sent off in the 65th minute following a VAR review of his challenge, leaving the home side with 10 men.
Kasımpaşa capitalised on their numerical advantage three minutes after Torreira's red card, with Jesuran Rak-Sakyi firing home a rebound to level the score at 1-1. Despite being a man down, Galatasaray continued to push for a winner. Barış Alper Yılmaz restored their lead in the 90th minute, finishing inside the left post after Ismail Jakobs delivered the ball into the box.
Osimhen's assist for Lemina in stoppage time completed a dramatic finish and secured three points for the Turkish champions. This comeback represents a significant boost for Galatasaray and Nigeria, with Osimhen's return providing fresh attacking options after his absence from club football and Nigeria's recent international fixtures.
The 27-year-old sustained the injury during Galatasaray's 3-2 league victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4. Before being sidelined, he had made an impressive start to the season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four league appearances. His carefully managed return is particularly timely, as Galatasaray prepare for their Champions League meeting with Barcelona next week.
Osimhen's return from injury is a welcome boost for both Galatasaray and the Super Eagles. The Nigerian forward had been sidelined for 35 days, missing several crucial matches for both club and country. His assist in the win over Kasımpaşa demonstrates that he is regaining his form and fitness, which will be crucial for Galatasaray's upcoming Champions League clash.
The win over Kasımpaşa moves Galatasaray up the Turkish Süper Lig table, while also boosting the team's morale ahead of their Champions League meeting with Barcelona. Osimhen's return from injury and his assist in the win will be a significant factor in Galatasaray's preparations for the crucial Champions League clash.
Key points
- Victor Osimhen marked his return from a 35-day groin injury with an assist as Galatasaray defeated Kasımpaşa 3-1.
- Osimhen's return provides fresh attacking options for Galatasaray ahead of its crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona.
- The 27-year-old had made an impressive start to the season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four league appearances before being sidelined.
