Victor Osimhen scored and provided an assist as Galatasaray continued their impressive start to the season with a 3-2 victory over Göztepe on Saturday.
The Nigeria striker played a decisive role in the Turkish champions’ comeback, helping them recover from an early setback before scoring from the penalty spot in the second half.
The win sends Galatasaray to the top of the Turkish league table after three matches and strengthens their early attempt to retain the championship.
Göztepe stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the 16th minute through Miroshi.
Galatasaray responded quickly, however, and Davinson Sánchez brought the champions level as they began to establish greater control of the match.
Osimhen then became involved in the turnaround, this time creating a goal for a team-mate.
The Nigerian striker provided the assist for Sara, who completed Galatasaray’s comeback and put the hosts in front before half-time.
Having contributed to the second goal, Osimhen then found the net himself after the break.
The striker was awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute and made no mistake from the spot, extending his goal tally for the season to five.
His latest contribution underlined the attacking influence he has had during the opening stages of the campaign.
Galatasaray had built a two-goal advantage, but Göztepe refused to surrender.
The visitors scored again to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish, leaving Galatasaray needing to protect their narrow lead.
The Turkish champions managed to withstand the pressure in the closing stages and held on for the three points.
The result gives Galatasaray three victories from their opening three league matches, taking them to the summit of the table.
For Osimhen, the match was another productive outing after a strong beginning to the campaign.
His goal against Göztepe means he has now scored five times this season, while his assist also played an important part in turning the match in Galatasaray’s favour.
The Nigerian’s contribution came at a crucial point in the game. After Göztepe had taken the lead, Galatasaray needed a response, and Osimhen helped provide it by setting up Sara for the goal that gave the champions the advantage before the interval.
His penalty after the break then gave Galatasaray further breathing room, although Göztepe’s late goal ensured the final stages remained closely contested.
Despite conceding twice, Galatasaray ultimately did enough to secure another victory.
The champions’ perfect league record after three matches places them at the top of the Turkish standings and gives them early momentum in their bid to defend the title.
Osimhen’s form will also provide encouragement for Galatasaray, with the striker already establishing himself as a major contributor to their attacking efforts.
Against Göztepe, he showed two different aspects of his game by creating a goal before scoring one himself.
Galatasaray’s ability to recover from Miroshi’s early strike was central to the result. Sánchez’s equaliser restored their confidence, while Sara’s goal gave them the lead before Osimhen’s penalty increased their advantage.
Göztepe’s late response made the final stages uncomfortable, but the home side held on to claim the victory.
After three matches, Galatasaray remain unbeaten and sit at the top of the Turkish league.
Their 3-2 success also continues a positive beginning to their title defence, while Osimhen’s five goals underline his strong individual start to the season.
The Nigerian striker will now look to maintain his scoring form as Galatasaray attempt to build on their early position at the summit and continue their pursuit of another Turkish championship.
