Osimhen’s Dramatic Finish Sends Galatasaray Through to Champions League Knockout Stage
Story: Written by springnewsng February 26,2026
A late, decisive strike from Victor Osimhen powered Galatasaray into the UEFA Champions League last 16 after a thrilling, chaotic tie against Juventus on Wednesday night.
Despite losing 3–2 after extra time on the night, Galatasaray progressed 7–5 on aggregate, with Osimhen’s late goal proving decisive after the Turkish champions had seen a commanding three-goal cushion wiped out. Baris Yilmaz was also on the scoresheet as Galatasaray held their nerve to secure a place in the knockout rounds, where they will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.
The result marks Galatasaray’s first appearance in the Champions League last 16 since 2014, though progression came the hard way—even with Juventus reduced to 10 men for much of the contest.
Juventus opened the scoring in the 37th minute through Manuel Locatelli’s penalty, before the match turned on a contentious refereeing decision early in the second half. Lloyd Kelly was initially shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Yilmaz, but after a VAR review, referee Joao Pinheiro upgraded the decision to a straight red for serious foul play.
The call sparked outrage among Juventus players and staff, with Kelly visibly furious and head coach Luciano Spalletti reacting in disbelief. Defender Federico Gatti later described the decision as harsh, while lamenting his side’s fatigue in extra time despite a spirited response.
In the end, Galatasaray’s resilience—and Osimhen’s ice-cold finish—proved the difference in a Champions League classic that swung wildly to the final whistle.
