Victor Osimhen delivered a decisive performance with two assists as Galatasaray beat Juventus 5-2 in the first leg of their play-off tie in Istanbul.
Juventus, managed by Luciano Spalletti, took a first-half lead but were overwhelmed after the break as the Turkish champions surged ahead in front of their home support.
Galatasaray started brightly and went ahead through Gabriel Sara after capitalising on a defensive lapse. The visitors responded almost immediately, with Teun Koopmeiners converting from close range after Pierre Kalulu’s header was saved.
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray SK, Federico Gatti of Juventus FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg. Photo Credit: Imago
Koopmeiners struck again before half-time, combining neatly with Weston McKennie before curling into the top corner to give Juventus a 2-1 lead at the interval.
The momentum shifted sharply in the second half.
Noa Lang levelled when goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio parried Barış Yılmaz’s effort into his path for a simple finish. Davinson Sánchez then put the hosts in front, glancing Gabriel Sara’s free-kick into the corner.
Juventus’ task became more difficult when Juan Cabal was sent off for a second yellow card with over 20 minutes remaining.
Galatasaray’s fourth goal in the 75th minute stemmed entirely from Osimhen’s pressing. Lloyd Kelly struggled with a poor pass from Khéphren Thuram inside his own area, and Osimhen quickly stole possession before laying the ball into the path of Lang. The Dutch forward chipped the goalkeeper from close range to make it 4-2.
Eleven minutes later, Osimhen was again heavily involved. He wrestled Thuram for the ball after another misplaced pass into the box, disrupting the defence and forcing the turnover.
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The loose ball fell kindly for substitute Sacha Boey, who fired a powerful effort from a tight angle to complete the 5-2 victory.
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray SK, Lloyd Kelly of Juventus FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match. Photo Credit: Imago
Osimhen’s two assists take his tally in this season’s UEFA Champions League to six goals and four assists in seven matches.
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Galatasaray now carry a commanding three-goal advantage into the return leg in Turin, while Juventus face a significant task to keep their European campaign alive.
