Victor Osimhen assist leads Galatasaray to 1-0 win over Liverpool in Champions League first leg, giving Turkish side key advantage
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen delivered a decisive assist as Galatasaray defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie on Monday night.
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In front of a hostile home crowd, Galatasaray struck early when midfielder Mario Lemina nodded home the seventh-minute winner.
The goal, the 10th Liverpool have conceded from corners this season, came from a set-piece headed on by Osimhen from a Gabriel Sara delivery.
Giorgi Mamardashvili, making a rare start in the absence of injured first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, was unable to prevent the close-range finish.
It marked Lemina’s first goal of the season and recalled his decisive strike against Liverpool five years ago while playing for Fulham.
Osimhen appeared to double the lead after a mistake by Ibrahima Konaté, but the effort was ruled out for an offside in the build-up involving Baris Alper Yilmaz, despite him not touching the ball.
Liverpool repeatedly threatened to equalise, with Florian Wirtz forcing a save from Ugurcan Çakir and Konaté shooting over the bar.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner led to a goalmouth scramble that appeared to level the match, only for VAR to rule the ball struck Konaté’s arm twice, first from the delivery and then after deflecting off Virgil van Dijk.
Galatasaray goalkeeper Çakir made several crucial stops, including denying Hugo Ekitike’s chipped attempt after a fine run by the French forward and a near-certain chance from Davinson Sánchez.
Despite occasional hesitation in defence, the Turkish champions held firm to secure a narrow but vital first-leg advantage.
The result leaves Liverpool with work to do in the second leg at Anfield on 18 March, where they must overturn the deficit to remain in the competition.
Osimhen’s early contribution proved pivotal in giving Galatasaray momentum ahead of the decisive encounter.
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Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
