Sports
Osimhen Shines As Galatasaray End Fenerbahce’s 32-Match Unbeaten Streak
The match, which marked José Mourinho’s debut as Fenerbahce’s coach in the intense Istanbul derby, resulted in a disappointing defeat for the Portuguese manager.
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Galatasaray took the lead early when Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic scored an own goal in the 20th minute. Dries Mertens doubled the advantage just eight minutes later, putting Galatasaray in control with a 2-0 lead by halftime.
In the second half, Gabriel Davi Gomes added a third goal for Galatasaray in the 59th minute. Though Fenerbahce pulled one back through an Edin Dzeko penalty in the 63rd minute, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen played a pivotal role in the match, delivering a brilliant assist for Mertens’ goal. While Osimhen didn’t score, his overall performance demonstrated his value beyond just goal-scoring, continuing the strong form he showed in his debut against Çaykur Rizespor, where he also provided an assist.
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The victory further solidified Galatasaray’s position at the top of the Super Lig table, while Fenerbahce’s hopes of derby success were dashed despite Mourinho’s tactical efforts. The Fenerbahce coach will likely reflect on his team’s defensive lapses as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
Osimhen, who had four shots on goal with one hitting the target, had faced some pre-match criticism from Mourinho, who suggested the Nigerian was prone to diving. However, Osimhen’s on-field contribution proved crucial in Galatasaray’s triumph, as reported by Turkiye Sports.
“I don’t have problems with Victor,” Mourinho, who most recently coached Roma in Serie A before joining Fenerbahce, told HT Spor.
“In fact, we have a very good relationship. But every time I play against him, I speak with him because I don’t like the way he behaves. He dives too much.
“I told him, ‘Look, you are one of the two best African players, you and Mohamed Salah.’
“In the past, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, George Weah. You cannot behave like this. He dives too much. That’s my problem with him.”
Galatasaray received six yellow cards during the match as they worked to contain Fenerbahçe’s attacks, bringing a physical intensity to their performance.
In contrast, the home side received only one yellow card.
This fixture showcased Galatasaray’s resilience under pressure, while also highlighting their ability to capitalize on key moments, such as Osimhen’s crucial assist.
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