Victor Osimhen found the net and had another effort controversially disallowed during Galatasaray’s 1-1 draw with AZ Alkmaar in a thrilling UEFA Europa League Matchday 5 encounter at the AFAS Stadion on Thursday night.
AZ Alkmaar wasted no time in taking the lead, striking just two minutes after kickoff. Sven Mijnans capitalized on a loose ball after Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera punched a cross into his path, calmly slotting it into the net to give the hosts an early advantage.
Galatasaray responded with determination and were rewarded two minutes before halftime. Victor Osimhen rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Dries Mertens, and although his initial header was deflected by a defender, the ball crossed the goal line, prompting cheers from the visiting fans. The goal underwent a VAR review but was eventually confirmed, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Turkish supporters.
In the dying moments of the match, Osimhen thought he had snatched the winner in dramatic fashion. The Nigerian striker rifled the ball into the net in the third minute of second-half stoppage time, only to have his effort ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside decision. The ruling left Osimhen visibly frustrated and Galatasaray fans disheartened.
Despite the disappointment, Osimhen continued his strong form in the Europa League, scoring in back-to-back games after failing to find the net in his first two appearances. He now boasts nine goals in 11 matches across all competitions for Galatasaray this season, making him the club’s leading scorer.
The draw keeps Galatasaray’s unbeaten run in the Europa League intact, with Okan Buruk’s men sitting on 11 points from five games. They remain among the competition’s top performers, cementing their position as one of the tournament’s most consistent sides.
