Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored his 14th goal of the season for Galatasaray as they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Hatayspor.
The result has significant implications for Galatasaray’s title race ambitions, as they drop two crucial points.
Osimhen Shines Amid Galatasaray’s Struggles
Osimhen, leading the charge alongside Barış Alper Yılmaz and Dries Mertens, was a key figure in the attack.
Hatayspor defender Cemali Sertel drew first blood in the 28th minute, putting the underdogs ahead.
Galatasaray responded with urgency in the second half, with their equalizer coming in the 56th minute after a controversial penalty decision.
Dries Mertens was brought down in the box, and while the referee initially waved off the appeals, VAR review led to the spot-kick being awarded.
Osimhen stepped up confidently, using his trademark stuttered run to outwit Hatayspor goalkeeper Visar Bekaj before coolly slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner.
The goal marked Osimhen’s 11th league in goal in 14 appearances and 14 across competitions with 6 assists in 18 matches.
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Despite Osimhen’s equalizer, Galatasaray were unable to find a winner. A flurry of chances went begging as Hatayspor’s defense held strong, frustrating the visitors.
The dropped points could prove costly in the fiercely contested Süper Lig title race, with Galatasaray now on 51 points after match day 19.
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With Fenerbahce breathing down their necks, Mourniho’s men have a game at hand having played 18 games with 42 points
For Hatayspor, the result is a valuable point in their fight against relegation, the remain 18th place with 10 points after 19 matches.
