Osimhen, Galatasaray make statement with Liverpool scalp

Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray bounced back from a humiliating defeat in their UEFA Champions League opener to shock Liverpool on Tuesday.

Osimhen made his full return from injury on Tuesday, converting a penalty kick in the first half to make the difference at Rams Park in Istanbul. Despite only returning to action with a brief cameo over the weekend in the Turkish Super Lig, Osimhen looked at full strength with his pace and energy keeping the Liverpool defense honest.

Inside the opening quarter hour, the breakthrough opportunity arrived when Baris Alper Yilmaz was cut down by Dominik Szoboszlai in the penalty area. Osimhen stepped up and sent his spot kick right down the middle as Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson guessed to his left.

Liverpool were awarded a penalty kick late on when Ibrahima Konate went down under a challenge from Wilfried Singo but VAR correctly judged that Singo was the one fouled rather than the Liverpool defender. Galatasaray hung on for the full three points to complete their bounce back from a 1-5 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

After spending massive amounts to boost the squad in the transfer market, including €75 million on Osimhen and over €30 million on Singo, Galatasaray displayed their high potential on Tuesday. Their next Champions League clash will come on October 22 at home against a tricky Bodo/Glimt side.

Osimhen now has three goals in five matches so far this season across all competitions. Galatasaray now turn their focus to Istanbul rivals Besiktas who they face on Saturday in Super Lig play before the upcoming international break.

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