Galatasaray delivered one of the biggest statements of the UEFA Champions League play-offs, thrashing Juventus 5–2 in a dramatic first-leg clash on Tuesday night in Istanbul.
At full time, it was Galatasaray 5–2 Juventus — a result that stunned the Italian giants and handed the Turkish side a strong advantage ahead of the return leg in Turin.
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Victor Osimhen was central to the performance. Although he did not get on the scoresheet, the Nigerian forward caused constant problems for the Juventus defence, providing two key assists. His pressing and movement helped swing the momentum firmly in Galatasaray’s favour.
Bright start
The hosts started brightly and took the lead inside 15 minutes after Gabriel Sara punished a defensive error to fire into the corner. Juventus responded almost immediately, with Teun Koopmeiners scoring from close range after his initial effort was saved.
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Both sides continued to attack, and Osimhen began to find space. He forced Michele Di Gregorio into a smart save and looked lively throughout the first half. However, Juventus went into the break ahead after Koopmeiners combined well with Weston McKennie before finishing superbly into the top corner.
Galatasaray returned from the interval with renewed energy. They equalised when Barış Yılmaz’s effort was parried into the path of Noa Lang, who tapped home. Minutes later, Davinson Sánchez turned in a Sara free-kick to restore the hosts’ lead.
Juventus’ night worsened when Cabal was sent off for a second booking with over 20 minutes left. Galatasaray took full advantage. Osimhen capitalised on a defensive mix-up to set up Lang for his second goal of the night, stretching the lead further.
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With Osimhen involved again, substitute Sacha Boey added a fifth goal from a tight angle to complete the rout and send the home crowd into celebration.
The result marked Juventus’ first Champions League defeat under Luciano Spalletti and made Galatasaray only the second team ever to score five or more goals against Juventus in a European competition match, after Wiener SC in 1959.
With the return leg still to come, Galatasaray carry a commanding advantage and renewed belief, while Juventus face an uphill task to keep their European hopes alive.
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