Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored twice, including a spectacular bicycle kick, as Galatasaray held off Samsunspor to extend their lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.
Galatasaray made a bright start in Istanbul and took the lead after eight minutes. Leroy Sané combined well with Lucas Torreira inside the box before shifting the ball onto his left foot and driving a low finish into the bottom corner.
Osimhen threatened moments later with a powerful mid-range volley, forcing Okan Kocuk into an excellent save, before the Nigerian forward turned provider with a chipped pass that Sané failed to convert.
The pressure eventually told as Osimhen made it 2–0 on 29 minutes, timing his run perfectly to meet Sané’s through ball before rolling his finish into the bottom left corner.
Victor Osimhen.Photo Credit: Imago
Samsunspor responded with a better spell midway through the half, attempting to counter through Anthony Musaba and Cherif Ndiaye, but Galatasaray maintained control of possession and went into the break in front.
The visitors improved after the restart and capitalised on a defensive lapse to pull a goal back, setting up a more competitive second period. But Osimhen restored Galatasaray’s cushion with the moment of the match a superb bicycle kick that left Kocuk with no chance and brought the home crowd to its feet.
Victor Osimhen.Photo Credit: Imago
Samsunspor kept pressing and reduced the deficit again, but Galatasaray managed the closing stages well to protect the points.
The win keeps the champions top of the league on 36 points, four clear of rivals Fenerbahçe.
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Osimhen’s double takes him to five league goals in 11 matches, and his scoring run in Europe six in three Champions League games moves his overall tally to 11 goals in 14 appearances for the Istanbul side this season.
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Galatasaray now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League, where they face Monaco next.
