Victor Osimhen became the first Nigerian to score 10 goals in the UEFA Champions League as Galatasaray defeated Liverpool 1–0 in a Group B fixture on Tuesday, October 1, at Rams Park in Istanbul.
The Super Eagles striker converted a 16th-minute penalty following a foul on Barış Alper Yılmaz by Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai.
Osimhen sent goalkeeper Alisson Becker the wrong way to give the Turkish side a crucial early lead.
The goal marked a significant milestone for Osimhen, who surpassed Obafemi Martins as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
He also became the first Nigerian to score for three different clubs in the competition—Lille, Napoli, and now Galatasaray.
First Win of the Campaign for Galatasaray
The win was Galatasaray’s first in the group stage this season, following a heavy 5–1 loss to Real Madrid in their opening match. It also marked the club’s first home win in the Champions League in over seven years.
Galatasaray showed strong defensive discipline after taking the lead, limiting Liverpool’s chances despite the English side enjoying more possession throughout the match.
Liverpool came close to equalizing in the first half when Cody Gakpo’s effort was cleared off the line, while Galatasaray nearly doubled their lead in the 36th minute through Hakim Ziyech, whose free-kick struck the post.
VAR Denies Liverpool Late Penalty
In the 88th minute, Liverpool were awarded a penalty after a challenge on Gakpo, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.
The Premier League side was unable to find a breakthrough before the final whistle.
Also Read: 8 Key Takeaways from Tinubu’s 65th Independence Day Speech to Nigerians
To add to Liverpool’s concerns, goalkeeper Alisson Becker was forced off with an injury late in the match, replaced by backup Giorgi Mamardashvili. Striker Hugo Ekitike also picked up a knock and was substituted earlier in the second half.
Group B Standings
With the result, Galatasaray move up to second place in Group B, behind Real Madrid. Liverpool, who had won their opening game against RB Salzburg, drop to third with three points after two matches.
