Tottenham’s flawless start to the Europa League campaign came to an end on Thursday night as they fell to a thrilling 3-2 defeat against Galatasaray in Istanbul. Victor Osimhen starred for the home side, netting twice, while young Will Lankshear had a mixed night, scoring his first senior goal for Spurs but later being sent off with two yellow cards.
Galatasaray took an early lead in the sixth minute when Yunus Akgun unleashed a spectacular half-volley from 25 yards, leaving the Tottenham keeper with no chance. Spurs responded just 12 minutes later, with Brennan Johnson’s clever pass across the goal setting up Lankshear for an easy tap-in to level the score.
However, Galatasaray quickly regained control. In the 31st minute, Radu Dragusin’s lapse in concentration allowed Mauro Icardi to win the ball and set up Dries Mertens, who deftly slid a pass to Osimhen. The Nigerian striker seized the opportunity, sending a precise shot into the bottom corner. Osimhen then struck again just before halftime, meeting a floating pass from Mertens to volley the ball between two defenders and past the goalkeeper, extending Galatasaray’s lead to 3-1.
The game took another twist on the hour mark when Lankshear, already on a yellow card, received his second booking, leaving Tottenham with only ten players. Despite being a man down, Spurs continued to push forward and found a lifeline in the 69th minute. Substitute Dominic Solanke skillfully back-heeled Pedro Porro’s cross into the net, bringing Spurs within one goal and sparking hope for a comeback.
Galatasaray, however, held firm, although not without some nervy moments. They had two goals disallowed for offside and missed a host of chances, which could have put the game out of reach. In the end, Tottenham’s late pressure wasn’t enough, and Galatasaray walked away with all three points. This defeat leaves Spurs on nine points, just one point behind the undefeated Galatasaray, who now sit at the top of the group standings.
