Osimhen’s Not Enough As Galatasaray Crash Out of Europa League
1 min read
By Hashim Abdullateef
Victor Osimhen found the net for Galatasaray, but it was not enough to keep the Turkish giants in the UEFA Europa League. AZ Alkmaar secured a 6-3 aggregate victory to advance to the last 16 after a 2-2 draw in Istanbul.
Trailing 4-1 from the first leg, Galatasaray needed a strong start, but AZ remained in control. Early on, goalkeeper Günay Güvenç denied Sven Mijnans, while Davinson Sánchez cleared Kristijan Belić’s shot off the line. Despite Galatasaray’s attacking intent, Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro made key saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Roland Sallai.
AZ’s dominance paid off just before halftime when Ernest Poku set up Seiya Maikuma for a close-range finish. Denso Kasius then put the tie beyond reach with a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner.
Galatasaray fought back as Osimhen netted his sixth Europa League goal of the season, followed by Roland Sallai’s late finish. However, their comeback fell short.
The defeat marks Galatasaray’s third failure in five seasons to reach the Europa League knockout rounds. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar progress to the last 16, where they will face either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
