Osimhen Crowned Player of the Match as Galatasaray Stun Liverpool
Victor Osimhen was named UEFA’s Player of the Match after leading Galatasaray to a historic 1–0 victory over Liverpool in Istanbul, marking the Turkish side’s first Champions League home win in seven years.
The Nigerian striker was praised by UEFA’s Technical Observer Group for his decisive impact: ‘Tonight’s match winner, he was key in the transitional moments and supported in a very well-organised press in defensive moments for Galatasaray.’
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Barış Alper Yılmaz was brought down in the box by Dominik Szoboszlai. Osimhen stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, giving Galatasaray the lead.
Earlier, Ismail Jakobs made a crucial goal line clearance to deny Cody Gakpo, while goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır kept out Hugo Ekitiké’s inventive backheel after the break.
Liverpool pushed for an equalizer, but Galatasaray held firm to secure all three points and a memorable win.
It was Osimhen’s second goal against a Premier League team after scoring in the 2-1 home loss by LOSC Lille in October 2019.
He has now scored 10 goals in 18 apperances cross four seasons to become the top scoring Nigerian in the competition.
