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Victor Osimhen continued his impressive goalscoring form with two decisive goals as Galatasaray handed Tottenham their first Europa League defeat.
The Nigerian Super Eagles forward capitalised on Spurs’ defensive lapses, helping the Turkish side leapfrog Tottenham in the group standings.
Tottenham’s struggles began early, with Yunus Akgün’s sixth-minute volley setting a battle-like tone in Istanbul. Despite an equaliser from Will Lankshear, Spurs’ disorganised defense left them vulnerable throughout.
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Galatasaray’s relentless pressure was rewarded, especially as Tottenham’s attempts to play from the back repeatedly faltered. Manager Ange Postecoglou’s decision to bench key starters only added to Spurs’ struggles, leaving gaps for Galatasaray to exploit.
Osimhen’s first goal was a masterclass in positioning and timing, as he reacted swiftly to Dries Mertens’ precise pass. With Radu Dragusin’s defensive error, Osimhen calmly slotted the ball past Fraser Forster, making Tottenham pay for their mistakes.
As Galatasaray continued their onslaught, Mertens again proved instrumental, delivering a pinpoint cross for Osimhen to finish. Unmarked and poised, Osimhen converted from eight yards as Spurs went further behind.
19-year-old Lankshear was then sent off on the hour mark after a second bookable offence.
A late strike from substitute Dominic Solanke made the scoreline respectable but couldn’t mask Spurs’ defeat. Forster’s commendable saves and Galatasaray’s missed chances kept the score closer than it should have been.
Tottenham, despite the loss, remains in contention for qualification, sitting with nine points from four games.
Tags: Tottenham, Galatasaray, Dominic Solanke, Victor Osimhen, Fraser Forster, Dries Mertens, Will Lankshear, Ange Postecoglou, Yunus Akgun, #UEL, Europa League, #Football, #SuperEagles, #NewRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports.