Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen continued his impressive UEFA Champions League form, providing an assist as Galatasaray secured a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of their round of 16 tie at the RAMS Park on Tuesday.
The Nigerian International, who scored the only goal when both sides met in the league phase of the competition earlier this season, showed his quality once again, leading the Turkish team to a crucial victory ahead of the return leg at Anfield next week.
Galatasaray made a dream start to the game as they got a lead just six minutes in. Gabriel Sara’s corner kick found the head of Osimhen, who directed the ball towards the six-yard box where Mario Lemina was. The experienced midfielder then headed the ball home from close range, making it 1-0.
Osimhen had a golden opportunity to double the hosts’ advantage few minutes later, but the striker was unable to divert his header goalbound after a brilliant cross from Ismail Jakobs. Liverpool had some chances of their own to level the score line, but they were unable to convert.
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The visitors made a brilliant start to the second half in search of an equaliser, but it was Galatasaray who thought they doubled their lead in the 62nd minute, only for Osimhen’s brilliant goal to be ruled out for offside.
In the 66th minute, Hugo Ekitiké had a huge opportunity to finally get Liverpool a much-needed goal, but he was unable to beat goalkeeper Ugurcan Çakir, who made a brilliant save to deny the Frenchman. Few minutes later, Liverpool thought they had equalised, but once again VAR intervened, ruling out the visitors’ goal for a handball.
Liverpool pushed for a late strike to snatch a crucial draw, but the Premier League side failed to be clinical in front of goal, while Galatasaray also defended with their lives, ensuring they protected their 1-0 lead.
With victory achieved at home, the Turkish side know that even a draw in the return leg will be enough for them to qualify for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. The second leg is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18 at Anfield.
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