Victor Osimhen scored his seventh goal of this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign as Galatasaray reached the last 16 for the first time in 12 years, eliminating Juventus 7-5 on aggregate despite a 3-2 extra-time defeat in Turin.
Trailing 5-2 from the first leg, Juventus produced a spirited response at the Allianz Stadium and forced extra time after levelling the tie on aggregate.
But Osimhen’s clinical finish before the interval in added time proved decisive, silencing the home crowd and restoring the Turkish champions’ cushion.
The Nigeria forward, who has now scored seven times in eight European appearances this term, struck through the legs of goalkeeper Mattia Perin after finding space inside the area.
Osimhen. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Juventus had earlier set the tone with urgency. Manuel Locatelli converted a first-half penalty to ignite belief before Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie added further goals in a dramatic second half.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men shortly after the restart when Lloyd Kelly was dismissed for a reckless challenge, a moment that shifted the momentum of the contest.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Juventus pushed relentlessly and drew level on aggregate in the 82nd minute when McKennie headed home from close range, forcing extra time.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Yet as the intensity waned and spaces opened up, Galatasaray found their decisive moment. Osimhen’s extra-time strike restored their aggregate advantage before Barış Yılmaz sealed the tie on the break late on.
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The result sends Galatasaray into Friday’s last-16 draw, where they will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.
Osimhen won the MVP award for the game. Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Juventus elimination marks another setback in a turbulent European campaign. They must now turn their attention to domestic matters, beginning with a Serie A trip to AS Roma on Sunday.
