Victor Osimhen was left in tears before kick-off after Galatasaray supporters unveiled a giant tifo in honour of his late mother ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash with Liverpool.
The emotional tribute at Rams Park greeted the Nigerian striker as he walked onto the pitch, with the forward visibly moved by the gesture from the home fans before the match began.
Tifo of Osimhen’s late mother. Photo Credit: Imago
Osimhen went on to play a key role as Galatasaray secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Premier League side, giving the Turkish champions a slender advantage ahead of the return leg at Anfield.
The hosts struck early when Osimhen rose highest to head a corner back across goal for Mario Lemina, who nodded past Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili after just seven minutes.
Galatasaray continued to threaten throughout the first half, with Osimhen heavily involved in the attacking play.
The Nigerian striker missed a clear opportunity to double the lead when he sent a free header wide and later saw another effort ruled out for offside.
Osimhen. Photo Credit: Imago
Liverpool enjoyed spells of possession and pushed for an equaliser, with Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitiké among those probing the Galatasaray defence. Alexis Mac Allister came closest shortly after the break, sending an effort narrowly wide.
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Despite Liverpool’s pressure, Galatasaray remained dangerous on the counterattack and held firm during a frantic closing period to secure victory in Istanbul.
Photo Credit: Imago
The win means Galatasaray have now beaten Liverpool twice this season, having also defeated the English side earlier in the league phase of the competition, a match in which Osimhen was also on the scoresheet.
Osimhen’s contribution against Liverpool continues an impressive European campaign for the Nigerian international, who now has seven goals and three assists in nine Champions League matches this season.
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Liverpool will now hope to overturn the deficit in the second leg at Anfield next week as they attempt to keep their Champions League campaign alive.
