Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen fired Galatasaray to a commanding 3-0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena, producing a memorable hat-trick to extend his club’s unbeaten European run.
The Turkish champions were dominant from start to finish, while Ajax’s struggles in the Champions League continued with their fourth straight defeat.
Goalkeeper Remko Pasveer kept the hosts level in the first half with saves against Osimhen and Sané, but the Nigerian striker couldn’t be denied after the break.
Osimhen Takes Control
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a diving header from Leroy Sané’s cross, a goal that broke Ajax’s resistance. Minutes later, a VAR review confirmed a handball by Youri Baas, and the Nigerian confidently converted from the penalty spot to double Galatasaray’s lead.
He completed his hat-trick in the 78th minute, again from the spot, after Gerald Alders handled the ball inside the box.
The result marked Osimhen’s first Champions League hat-trick, making him the first African player ever to do so for Galatasaray.
Ajax Struggle, Galatasaray Shine
Ajax manager John Heitinga had promised to neutralize Osimhen, but his side were outclassed on the night, failing to contain Osimhen’s pace, movement, and precision. The Dutch side managed just two shots on target and remains bottom of their group, conceding 14 goals in four games.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray looked confident throughout, defending with discipline and striking with clinical accuracy.
Victor Osimhen’s Red-Hot Form Continues
Osimhen now has six goals in three Champions League games and 12 in his last eight European appearances, making him the top scorer.
His run includes goals against Tottenham, Liverpool, Bodø/Glimt, and Ajax twice in the same campaign.
What’s Next
Galatasaray will return to domestic action against Sivasspor this weekend before continuing their European push. Ajax, meanwhile, face FC Utrecht as they attempt to recover from a dismal run that has left them bottom of the table.
