Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored as Galatasaray qualified for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 despite a dramatic fightback from Juventus who won 3-2 in their knockout phase playoff second leg on Wednesday, but lost 7-5 on aggregate.
The Turkish side came into the match with a comfortable 5-2 advantage but lost the lead in thrilling fashion as Juventus led 3-0 after 90 minutes to take the game into extra time. However, Osimhen proved his quality once again, netting in extra time before Baris Asper Yilmaz sealed Galatasaray’s victory.
The hosts displayed a spirited first half performance and reduced their deficit in the 37th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Captain Manuel Locatelli stepped up and slotted the spot kick past Ugurcan Cakir, making it 1-0.
Early in the second half, however, Juventus had another setback as they were reduced to ten men just four minutes in. Following a VAR check, defender Lloyd Kelly who initially got a second yellow card, received a straight red card, giving the hosts a mountain to climb.
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Despite the numerical disadvantage, Juventus kept pushing for another goal and they were rewarded for their persistence in the 70th minute. Defender Federico Gatti was at the right position at the right time, turning the ball home after a brilliant low cross from Pierre Kalulu to make it 2-0 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate.
Juventus eventually leveled the score line in the 82nd minute as Teun Koopmeiners sent a looping header back across the box from a free kick, before Weston McKennie rose highest to head the ball into the back of the net, making it 3-0 on the night and 5-5 on aggregate to send the game into extra time.
Few seconds to the end of the first half of extra time, Galatasaray regained their lead. The visitors finally got their goal after Baris Asper Yilmaz picked out Osimhen inside the box. The striker then clinically found the net, slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 3-1 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate.
Juventus pushed for another goal to force the game into a penalty shootout, but this time Galatasaray stood their ground, holding on to their lead before Yilmaz scored late in the game to make it 3-2 and 7-5 on aggregate, securing the visitor’s spot in the round of 16.
The Turkish side will learn their opponents in the next round on Friday while for Juventus, their focus will return to the Serie A where they sit fifth on the table and will be pushing to make the top four.
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