The consequences of the heavy defeat in Alkmaar were clearly visible in Galatasaray’s performance in Rize. However, Okan Buruk’s team managed to turn the game in their favor thanks to individual brilliance—above all, the fantastic Victor Osimhen—winning 2-1. The former Napoli striker was brought to Istanbul not only to make a difference in matches like this but also to lead the team in the race for the championship title. And he scored twice with headers. His first goal came at the start of the second half, following a cross from Przemysław Frankowski on the right wing. The second came in the 86th minute, after a corner from the opposite side. The Nigerian was in the right place at the right time, reacting to a header from Mario Lemina and powerfully sending the ball under the crossbar past the helpless Tarik Cetin.Victor Osimhen’in golüyle 1-0 öne geçiyoruz 🦁 pic.twitter.com/G3oOgDQOkz— Yasin Saka (@UltraReigns) February 17, 2025 Galatasaray continues to leave nothing to chance in the championship race. They hold a seven-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahçe and remain the only unbeaten team in the Turkish league, with a record of 20 wins and three draws. Victor Osimhen now has 14 league goals, making him the third top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig behind Krzysztof Piatek (18 goals) and Youssef En-Nesyri (15). Across all competitions, he has reached 19 goals and five assists. The Nigerian is also tied for third place in the Europa League scoring charts. For him to stay in contention for the tournament’s top scorer, his team will need a miracle next Thursday in Istanbul. However, with a squad of this quality, anything is possible—despite the heavy 4-1 loss in the first leg.VICTOR OSIMHEN SECOND GOAL OF THE NIGHT FOR GALATASARAY! HUGE HUGE GOAAALLLLLLLL!! pic.twitter.com/hhacAxbssL— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) February 17, 2025 It wouldn’t have been unfair if the game had ended 1-1, given that Rizespor was at least an equal opponent on the field. The hosts were the better side in the first half, missing three excellent chances. Even after conceding an early goal in the second half, they quickly responded with an equalizer from Ali Sowe. However, the final moments of the match belonged to the Lions, who attacked more dangerously as the game neared its conclusion. Gabriel Sara first threatened in the 60th minute, and just before the decisive goal, Cetin made a brilliant save from another Osimhen header, pushing the ball out for a corner. Yet, that very corner proved to be Rizespor’s downfall, as they lost the physical battle against their powerful opponents.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – PLAYOFFSReturn legTuesday 20.45: (1.45) Milan (4.50) Feyenoord (7.00)23.00: (1.55) Atalanta (4.10) Club Brugge (6.00)23.00: (1.20) Bayern (7.25) Celtic (12.0)23.00: (1.95) Benfica (3.50) Monaco (3.90)Wednesday 20.45: (1.95) Dortmund (3.50) Sporting (3.90)23.00: (1.18) PSG (7.25) Brest (15.0)23.00: (2.30) PSV (3.45) Juventus (3.05)23.00: (1.85) Real Madrid (3.80) Man.City (4.00)***odds are subject to change***
