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Victor Osimhen produced a lively and influential display as Galatasaray secured a narrow but significant 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash in Istanbul, Footynaija reports.
The Nigerian striker did not score, but he played a decisive role in the moment that settled the contest. Early in the match, Galatasaray won a corner and Osimhen rose highest in the box, guiding a header across goal. Mario Lemina reacted quickly and nodded the ball in from close range to give the Turkish champions the lead.
The goal arrived after just six minutes and 32 seconds, marking the earliest strike Galatasaray have scored against Liverpool in Champions League competition.
Before the game began, supporters inside RAMS Park delivered an emotional tribute to Osimhen. A huge banner showing the forward with his daughter and his late mother was displayed in the stands, a moment that clearly touched the Nigeria international.
Victor Osimhen n’a pas pu retenir ses larmes en découvrant le tifo des supporters de Galatasaray pour lui et sa mère ! 🫶🇳🇬
— Foot Mercato (@footmercato) March 10, 2026
Un moment très émouvant pour l’attaquant nigérian, touché par cet hommage des fans du club turc.pic.twitter.com/Gaw2c2UdVT
Liverpool began brightly and looked dangerous in the opening stages. Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz both found space in attacking areas, but neither could convert their chances.
Osimhen continued to trouble the visitors’ defence throughout the first half. He came close to doubling the lead with a header that drifted wide and later fired over the bar after capitalising on a defensive mistake from Ibrahima Konaté.
Galatasaray also threatened through Davinson Sánchez, whose header forced a sharp save from Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool pushed harder after the break and created their best chance when Hugo Ekitiké raced through on goal, only for Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır to produce an excellent save. A later Liverpool goal from a corner was also ruled out for handball after a review.
Despite sustained pressure from the English side, Galatasaray remained organised at the back. Osimhen nearly wrapped up the result late on with a powerful effort from a tight angle, but Mamardashvili pushed the ball away.
The result gives the Turkish champions a slender advantage before next week’s second leg at Anfield, with Galatasaray aiming to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2013.
