Watch – Osimhen fires Galatasaray into last 16 after thrilling Juventus battle in UEFA Champions League

Nigerian star Victor Osimhen continued his outstanding form with Galatasaray SK, scoring a decisive goal to help the Turkish giants eliminate Juventus FC and book their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Despite suffering a 3-2 defeat in the second leg in Turin, Galatasaray advanced 7-5 on aggregate, having secured a commanding 5-2 victory in the first leg at home.

Juventus opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Manuel Locatelli from the penalty spot. However, the Italian side were dealt a major blow when Lloyd Kelly was sent off in the 48th minute, forcing them to continue with ten men. Federico Gatti added a second goal in the 70th minute, before Weston McKennie struck in the 82nd minute to level the aggregate score at 5-5 and force extra time.

In the first half of extra time, Osimhen rose to the occasion. The Nigerian forward found the net in first-half stoppage time (105+2) after an assist from Barış Yılmaz, restoring Galatasaray’s aggregate advantage.

Yılmaz later sealed qualification himself with a goal in the 119th minute.

Individual Brilliance from Osimhen

Osimhen’s strike took his tally to seven goals in eight Champions League matches this season, underlining his importance to the Turkish side. His goal also saw him become Galatasaray’s all-time top foreign goalscorer in the Champions League.

Galatasaray will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16 — marking their first appearance at this stage of Europe’s elite competition since the 2013-14 season.

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