Victor Osimhen delivered a decisive performance in the Istanbul derby, scoring twice to help Galatasaray defeat archrivals Fenerbahce 2-1 in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday.
The Osimhen brace came in the first half at RAMS Park, where the Nigerian striker struck in the 29th and 44th minutes to give Galatasaray a crucial victory in the ninth round of the season.
Fenerbahce responded after the break through Irfan Can Kahveci, but the visitors could not find a second goal despite late pressure.
Osimhen Brace Gives Galatasaray First-Half Advantage
Galatasaray started brightly, with Baris Alper Yilmaz testing Fenerbahce goalkeeper Ederson from a tight angle in the 15th minute.
The visitors nearly took the lead three minutes before Osimhen opened the scoring. Davinson Sanchez’s attempted clearance from N’Golo Kante’s cross struck the post.
Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 29th minute after exchanging passes with Yilmaz. He drove into the penalty area and fired a powerful shot into the top-right corner.
Ederson denied the Nigerian another goal in the 38th minute, diving to push his low effort behind for a corner.
However, the Galatasaray forward doubled his tally just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Osimhen headed the ball into the net after redirecting Sanchez’s first-time effort following Ismail Jakobs’ long throw-in.
Galatasaray controlled much of the opening half, recording 11 shots, including six on target. Fenerbahce failed to register an attempt before the break.
Fenerbahce Fight Back but Fall Short
Galatasaray continued to threaten after halftime. Jakobs came close to extending the lead in the 55th minute, but his header from Roland Sallai’s cross struck the crossbar.
Fenerbahce reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute through Kahveci. He controlled Oguz Aydin’s pass before scoring with an acrobatic bicycle kick, despite goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir getting a hand to the effort.
The visitors pressed for an equaliser as the match approached its conclusion.
In the 90th minute, Milan Skriniar’s header was cleared close to the goal line, denying Fenerbahce a chance to level the score.
Galatasaray substitute Leroy Sane then forced Ederson into another save during stoppage time. The hosts held on to secure all three points.
Galatasaray Return to Top of Super Lig
The victory lifted Galatasaray to the top of the Turkish Super Lig table with 22 points from nine matches.
Fenerbahce, meanwhile, dropped to fifth place with 16 points.
Osimhen’s two goals proved decisive in the derby, giving Galatasaray bragging rights over their city rivals and strengthening their position in the early-season title race.