Osimhen Fires Blanks in Europa League Action against Elfsborg
*Gives Galatasaray permit to discuss permanent switch from Napoli
Victor Osimhen fired blanks as Galatasaray survived a valiant Elfsborg of Sweden fightback to clinch a 4-3 victory in their third game of the UEFA Europa League League Phase, extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions.
Osimhen who was in action for 86 minutes before he was substituted by Michy Batshuayi, was kept silence while his teammates did the job of securing all three points for the Turkish giants. After conceding seven goals in their previous two matches, a shaky Elfsborg defence was put under pressure from the outset at Rams Park.
Goalkeeper Isak Pettersson did his utmost to keep the home side at bay, making two impressive stops to deny Mauro Icardi in the opening ten minutes, before producing another strong save to keep out Osimhen’s downward header.
Galatasaray’s Argentine forward, Mauro Icardi gave the Turkish side the advantage in the 28th minute with Elfsborg’s Isak Pettersson gifting the host through an own goal in the 39th minute. Baris Alper Yilmaz made it three for Galatasaray before the break.
But on return from the first half break, The Swedish side scored two quick goals in the 52nd and 65th to create panic amongst the home fans. But with the clock winding down, Yunus Akgun took the game beyond the reach of the visitors, scoring Galatasaray’s fourth goal in the 83rd minute. Johan Larson’s third goal for Elfsborg came too late in the added time while Batshuayi’s fifth for the host was disallowed for offside rule violation.
Meanwhile, Osimhen has reportedly given Galatasaray the green light to begin negotiations with Napoli over his permanent transfer.
And as a result, the Turkish champions will in January begin talks with the Italian club of the striker, according to various reports out of Turkey.
Osimhen is quoted as saying: “I want to stay (at Galatasaray). Solve my transfer fee problem.”
He is on a season-long loan to Galatasaray from Napoli.
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk said the Super Eagles striker is very happy at the Istanbul giants.
RESULTS (UCL)
Barca – Bayern
Man City – Sparta
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Brest 1-1 Leverkusen
Atletico – Lille
Benfica – Feyenoord
Leipzig – Liverpool
Salzburg – Zagreb
Young Boys – Inter
EUROPA
Galatasaray 4-3 Elfsborg
Braga 1-2 Bodo/Glimt
TODAY
AS Roma v Dy’Kyiv
E’Frankfurt v RFS
Ferencvaros v Nice
M’Tel Aviv v Sociedad
Midtjylland v Royale
PAOK v Plzen
Qarabag v Ajax
Anderlecht v Ludogorets
Bilbao v Sl’ Prague
FC Porto v Hoffenheim
Fenerbache v Man Utd
Lyon v Besiktas
Malmo v Olympiacos
Rangers v FCSB
Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar
Twente v Lazio
