Victor Osimhen shines in Istanbul derby as Galatasaray dismantle Fenerbahce

Published on by

Galatasaray delivered a statement performance at RAMS Park, cruising to a dominant 3-0 victory over Fenerbahçe with Victor Osimhen leading the line, Afrik Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker returned to action during the week, coming off the bench in their Turkish Cup loss to Genclerbiligi.

Still, he was given the starting spot over Mauro Icardi this evening, and that decision paid off.

Nigeria and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen
Nigeria and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xVIxANPxSportx/ IMAGO

How Galatasaray defeated Fenerbahce

The game started in a seemingly even affair, but could have taken a very different turn in the 13th minute.

Fenerbahce were awarded a penalty after Davinson Sánchez brought down Sidiki Cherif inside the box.

However, Brazilian midfielder Anderson Talisca dragged his effort wide of the post.

Anderson Talisca of Fenerbahce
Anderson Talisca of Fenerbahce. Copyright: ImagoxSeskimphotox FBahce-Rizespor

Galatasaray responded with intensity. Osimhen was heavily involved from the outset, testing Ederson from close range and repeatedly attacking crosses from Leroy Sané and Yunus Akgün.

Osimhen’s persistence paid off in the 40th minute. Ismail Jakob’s throw-in was flicked on by Mario Lemina, and the ball fell to the Nigerian striker who reacted quickest, kneed the ball beyond ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.

Galatasaray thought they had doubled their lead shortly after halftime when Lucas Torreira found the net, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

Moments later came the decisive turning point. In the 60th minute, Yunus Akgün was brought down in the penalty area by Jayden Oosterwolde.

Referee Yasin Kol pointed to the spot, and just two minutes later, Fenerbahce goalkeeper Ederson received a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xSeskimphotox IMAGO

Osimhen handed the ball to Baris Alper Yilmaz, who stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 67th minute to make it 2-0, sparking wild celebrations at RAMS Park.

With Fenerbahce down to ten men, Okan Buruk’s side turned on the intensity. From the resulting pressure, Torreira finally got his reward in the 83rd minute, smashing home from close range after a corner to seal the 3-0 demolition.

Fenerbahce players
Fenerbahce players. Copyright: ImagoxSeskimphotox

Even in stoppage time, Osimhen remained combative, pressing defenders and battling for every loose ball, though he was booked late on as tempers flared.

Galatasaray’s win takes them seven points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig, with three league games to spare. With a win in their next game, they’ll be crowned Champions.

<!-- Author Start -->Adefolahan Guerreiro<!-- Author End -->

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer

Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Afrik Foot, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.

With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.