Victor Osimhen equals career-best streak as Galatasaray edge past Ndidi’s Besiktas

Victor Osimhen was the hero as Galatasaray secured a narrow 1-0 away victory against Besiktas in a tense Turkish Super Lig clash on Saturday, Afrik-Foot reports.

The match at Tupras Stadyumu lived up to expectations, with both sides battling fiercely in a game filled with physical challenges and heated moments. By the final whistle, the referee had shown ten yellow cards and one red card in a contest packed with drama.

Despite the intensity, Galatasaray managed to hold their nerve and take all three points, continuing their strong push to retain the league title.

The key moment came just before half-time when Osimhen met a brilliant cross from Leroy Sane. The Nigerian striker rose above his defender and powered a close-range header into the right side of the net.

Besiktas went into the game in good form, having not lost in the league since November, and many expected them to seriously test Galatasaray’s title hopes.

There was also extra interest before kick-off because Osimhen was facing his Super Eagles teammate Wilfred Ndidi for only the third time in their careers. Their previous two meetings had both ended in draws.This time, however, Osimhen came out on top.

Victor Osimhen matches best scoring streak of career

Both teams started cautiously with spells of possession, but Galatasaray struck first through Osimhen.

Sane floated a clever pass into the penalty area, and Osimhen reacted quickly. The striker beat his marker in the air and guided a powerful header into the net from close range.

The goal also saw Osimhen match the best scoring run of his career, which he first achieved with Napoli between January and February 2023.

The Super Eagles forward has now been directly involved in goals in each of his last eight Süper Lig matches, scoring eight times and providing four assists. He has never had a longer run in his professional career.

It was also his second goal in four matches against Besiktas, with his first also proving decisive in Galatasaray’s 2-1 win last season. Galatasaray’s task became harder shortly after the hour mark when Sane was sent off for a reckless tackle, leaving the visitors to finish the game with ten men.

Besiktas pushed forward and controlled much of the ball in the closing stages. They also had a strong penalty appeal waved away when the referee ruled that a suspected handball inside the box was not an offence.

In the end, Galatasaray defended strongly and managed to protect their narrow lead until the final whistle.

The victory moves Galatasaray seven points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table. However, second-placed Fenerbahçe could cut that gap to four points if they defeat Samsunspor on Sunday.