Osimhen Double Sinks 10-Man Tottenham As Galatasaray Claims Europa League Victory.
Victor Osimhen scored twice to lead Galatasaray to a significant 3-2 victory over Tottenham in Istanbul, handing Spurs their first Europa League defeat of the season. The Turkish league leaders capitalised on their home advantage and Tottenham’s defensive mishaps to leapfrog the visitors in the group standings.
Teenager Will Lankshear, making only his second start for Tottenham, initially brought some hope for the English side by netting his first senior goal. However, Lankshear’s night took a downturn on the hour mark when he received a second yellow card, leaving Spurs to finish with 10 men.
Despite Lankshear’s equaliser and a goal from substitute Dominic Solanke, Tottenham’s evening was marred by poor defensive organisation and an inability to play confidently from the back. Ange Postecoglou’s decision to rest six first-choice players on the bench drew criticism as his squad struggled to match the intensity and organisation of Galatasaray in Istanbul’s notoriously charged atmosphere.
The hosts took an early lead through Yunus Akgun, who unleashed a brilliant left-footed volley from 20 yards, beating Tottenham’s Fraser Forster in the sixth minute. Although Spurs pulled one back through Lankshear, a costly mistake by central defender Radu Dragusin set up Osimhen’s first goal, as the Nigerian striker latched onto a precise pass from Dries Mertens to restore Galatasaray’s lead.
Osimhen added a second shortly after, once again assisted by Mertens, turning in a right-wing cross from eight yards to make it 3-1. While Solanke’s late goal from a Pedro Porro pass narrowed the deficit, it was too little, too late for Tottenham, who were outplayed for much of the match.
Galatasaray’s victory was only kept from a more emphatic scoreline by some excellent saves from Forster and missed chances by the hosts. Despite the loss, Spurs remain well-positioned to qualify from the group, with nine points from four games, though Postecoglou’s squad selection and tactical choices will likely come under further scrutiny.
Galatasaray’s win bolsters their lead in the Europa League group stage, highlighting the resilience of Okan Buruk’s side as they continue their strong European campaign.
