Victor Osimhen made an impressive return from injury, providing an assist as 10-man Galatasaray secured a dramatic 3-1 victory over Kasımpaşa in the Turkish Süper Lig at RAMS Park on Friday.
The Nigeria international came off the bench in the 77th minute, replacing Deniz Gül, to make his first appearance since sustaining an injury on September 4. His introduction proved decisive as Galatasaray scored twice in the closing stages to claim all three points despite playing with 10 men.
With the match finely poised at 1-1 when Osimhen entered the pitch, Galatasaray found the breakthrough in the 90th minute through Barış Alper Yılmaz before Mario Lemina sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.
Osimhen Returns from Injury with Crucial Assist
Osimhen’s return provides a significant boost for Galatasaray ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Barcelona on Tuesday, October 13.
The 27-year-old striker was instrumental in the build-up to Galatasaray’s third goal, delivering the pass that allowed Lemina to take on a defender and finish in the 90+6th minute.
His contribution helped the Turkish champions overcome a difficult contest in which they had to manage the final stages with a numerical disadvantage.
Before his injury, Osimhen had enjoyed an excellent start to the league campaign, recording six goals and two assists in his first four appearances. His return to action will be welcome news for Galatasaray as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
Torreira Red Card Puts Galatasaray Under Pressure
Galatasaray initially took the lead in the 45th minute when defender Abdülkerim Bardakcı headed home from Aleksey Batrakov’s free-kick.
However, their advantage was complicated in the 65th minute when midfielder Lucas Torreira was sent off. A VAR review upgraded his yellow card to a red for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Kasımpaşa capitalised on their numerical advantage just three minutes later. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi found the net after Galatasaray failed to clear a corner, bringing the visitors level at 1-1.
With the hosts struggling to regain control, Osimhen’s introduction added a fresh attacking threat and helped Galatasaray turn the contest in their favour during the closing minutes.
Yılmaz restored the home side’s lead in the 90th minute before Lemina’s stoppage-time finish completed the 3-1 victory.
Galatasaray Move Top of the Süper Lig Table
The victory lifted Galatasaray to the top of the Turkish Süper Lig standings with 16 points from seven matches.
They moved three points clear of Amed SK, who have 13 points and a game in hand. Kasımpaşa, meanwhile, suffered their first league defeat of the season and remain on 10 points.
Galatasaray’s ability to secure the win despite Torreira’s dismissal underlined the importance of their late attacking response, with Osimhen playing a key role after returning from the sidelines.
Details of Osimhen’s Injury and Absence
Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 league victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4. He scored the opening goal before being forced off in the 33rd minute.
Medical tests subsequently revealed a strain in his right adductor muscle group, ruling him out of several important fixtures.
The Nigerian forward missed Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League opener against Sporting CP, as well as league matches against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.
He also withdrew from Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, managed by Eric Chelle.
His return against Kasımpaşa therefore comes at an important moment for both club and country, with the striker now back in contention for upcoming matches.
Osimhen Boost Ahead of Barcelona Clash
Galatasaray will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona at RAMS Park.
Osimhen’s return offers a timely attacking boost as the Turkish side prepare to face one of Europe’s leading clubs. Although he made his comeback from the bench against Kasımpaşa, his assist demonstrated his potential importance to the team in the final third.
With six goals and two assists already recorded in his first four league appearances before the injury, the Super Eagles forward will be eager to regain full match fitness and continue his strong start to the season.
For Galatasaray, his comeback could prove crucial as they look to maintain their domestic momentum and make an impact in Europe.