By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Victor Osimhen delivered the decisive blow in Turin as Galatasaray qualified for the UEFA Champions League round of 16, overcoming Juventus 7-5 on aggregate after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian striker struck in the 105th minute of extra time, halting Juventus’ remarkable comeback and restoring Galatasaray’s aggregate advantage, before Barış Alper Yılmaz added another late goal to seal qualification for the Turkish giants.
Trailing 5-2 from the first leg in Istanbul, Juventus produced a spirited response in front of their home fans.
Manuel Locatelli opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, before second-half goals from Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie completed a 3-0 turnaround on the night and leveled the tie at 5-5 on aggregate, forcing extra time.
Despite being reduced to ten men following Lloyd Kelly’s dismissal early in the second half, the Italian side pushed Galatasaray to the brink of elimination with relentless attacking pressure.
With momentum shifting dangerously in Juventus’ favour, Osimhen stepped up when it mattered most. The Super Eagles forward found the net in the first half of extra time, silencing the home crowd and putting Galatasaray back in control of the tie. His goal was decisive in ending Juventus’ comeback hopes and swinging qualification firmly toward the visitors.
Yılmaz’s late strike further secured the outcome, confirming Galatasaray’s progression despite losing the second leg on the night.
Galatasaray advanced to the Champions League round of 16 with a 7-5 aggregate victory, marking their first appearance at that stage in over a decade and underlining their resurgence on the European stage.
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