Trabzonspor recorded a commanding 4-0 victory over Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday, September 20, 2026. The highly anticipated clash had been billed as a meeting between two of Africa’s biggest attacking stars, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. However, Osimhen was absent through injury, continuing his recovery from a right adductor injury. Galatasaray had confirmed before the match that the Nigerian was among the players continuing treatment and would not travel to Trabzon.
In Osimhen’s absence, Salah took centre stage for Trabzonspor, opening the scoring just four minutes into the encounter at Papara Park. The Egyptian forward raced clear during a quick counter-attack before calmly finishing past Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir to give the hosts an early advantage. This early goal set the tone for the match, with Trabzonspor remaining dangerous and creating several scoring opportunities.
Galatasaray tried to respond, but Trabzonspor doubled their lead in the 39th minute. Salah turned provider on that occasion, delivering the assist for Noah Saviolo, who produced a composed finish to make it 2-0. The visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances, and Trabzonspor continued to control the contest. The home side’s dominance was further emphasized when Salah found the net again to give Trabzonspor a three-goal advantage before half-time.
Salah capitalised on another attacking opportunity to beat Cakir and send the hosts into the break 3-0 ahead. Galatasaray returned from the interval needing a remarkable comeback, but Trabzonspor continued to control the contest. The home side’s confidence grew, and they continued to create scoring opportunities.
Salah eventually completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, breaking clear before sending the ball into the bottom corner to make it 4-0. The performance gave Salah three goals and an assist in the match, while Trabzonspor recorded a comprehensive victory over the Turkish champions. This victory marked a significant statement from Trabzonspor, highlighting their attacking prowess.
Galatasaray’s difficult evening worsened seven minutes after Salah’s third goal when Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off. Ugochukwu was initially shown a yellow card, but following a VAR review, referee Batuhan Kolak overturned the decision and produced a straight red card. This meant Galatasaray were forced to finish the match with 10 players, further compounding their misery.
The defeat was Galatasaray’s first league loss of the season and left them on 13 points after six matches. Trabzonspor moved to 10 points following the victory. For Osimhen, the result came as he continued his rehabilitation from the adductor injury that has kept him out of action. The absence of the Nigerian striker meant the much-anticipated contest between him and Salah did not materialise.
Key points
- Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick to inspire Trabzonspor to a 4-0 victory over Galatasaray.
- Victor Osimhen was absent through injury, continuing his recovery from a right adductor injury.
- The defeat was Galatasaray’s first league loss of the season, leaving them on 13 points after six matches.
