The golden era of Dutch clubs in European competitions continues. After Feyenoord and PSV’s impressive performances in the Champions League playoffs, where they eliminated Milan and Juventus, respectively, this success carried over to the Europa League as well.Alongside these giants, AZ Alkmaar managed to defend their 3-0 first-leg advantage, securing a draw against Galatasaray in Istanbul and advancing to the Round of 16.Osimhen’s brace keeps Galatasaray unbeatenNot even an in-form Victor Osimhen could help the Turkish side— the Nigerian striker, currently the second top scorer in the Europa League with six goals, has also been shining domestically. He sits third in the Turkish league’s scoring charts with 14 goals, and remarkably, he has scored in each of his last seven matches.However, despite his individual brilliance, it wasn’t enough to carry his team to victory in this match or the two-legged tie.Osimhen‘s name in the suspicious transfers trialThe famous meme with the dog—fierce in some situations, but as meek as a kitten in others—is making rounds across the internet. And that perfectly describes Galatasaray. In their domestic league, they are untouchable; if they ever stumble, the referees are there to lend a hand. But in Europe, there’s no one to help them. When they’re on their own, they take a beating.All over from Istanbul.#GSvAZ #UEL pic.twitter.com/Y9rOJQwdJu— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) February 20, 2025 In a match where they had to chase a three-goal deficit from the very start, the best player for the Turkish giant for an entire hour was—the goalkeeper. AZ Alkmaar, in the starting eleven, completely outplayed the “Lions” from Istanbul and strolled along the Bosphorus straight into the Round of 16. Their next opponent, whether Manchester United or Tottenham, will be decided by the draw.🔥 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅! #AZAlkmaar #galaz #UEL #TheFutureIsOurs pic.twitter.com/Kn2xxR9LMB— AZ (@AZAlkmaar) February 20, 2025 The opening goal, which essentially sealed the deal, was a masterpiece by Maikuma. The AZ Alkmaar striker applied relentless pressing on Galatasaray’s backline, chasing down every defender like a mad dog and successfully dispossessing them. Then, he made a brilliant run into the six-yard box, latched onto a rebound, and slotted the ball into the net. From that moment on, Galatasaray needed four goals just to force extra time, and everyone in the stadium knew it wasn’t going to happen.⚽️ GOAL: Osimhen🇪🇺 Galatasaray 1-2 AZ Alkmaarpic.twitter.com/r3aWR9Fz1y— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) February 20, 2025 Kasius doubled AZ’s lead in the 55th minute, and from that point on, the visitors figuratively put their hands behind their heads, just waiting for the final whistle. Galatasaray took advantage of their relaxation, managing to equalize through Osimhen and Sallai, and nearly won the match, as Penetra hit his own post with a header just five minutes before the final whistle.UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – PLAYOFFSReturn legThursdayBodo – Twente 5-2 after ET (6-4 on agg)FCSB – PAOK 2-0 (4-1 on agg)/Cisotti 30, Miculescu 81/Galatasaray – AZ Alkmaar 2-2 (3-6 on agg)/Osimhen 56, Sallai 70 – Maikuma 42, Kasius 55/Roma – Porto 3-2 (4-3 on agg)/Dybala 35, 39, Pisilli 83 – A23:00: (2.10) Ajax (3.45) St.Gilloise (3.50)23:00: (2.70) Anderlecht (3.35) Fenerbahce (2.60)23:00: (1.65) Plzen (3.70) Ferencvaros (5.60)23:00: (1.53) Sociedad (4.00) Midtjylland (6.75)***odds are subject to change***
