Osimhen Double Gives Galatasaray Derby Win

Galatasaray beat Fenerbahce 2-1 at RAMS Park on October 26, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice to send them back to the top of the Super Lig.

The first Istanbul derby of the season was largely controlled by the hosts in the first half. Baris Alper Yilmaz and Osimhen both had early chances, and the breakthrough came in the 29th minute. Yilmaz picked out Victor Osimhen inside the box, and the Nigerian striker finished with his left foot past goalkeeper Ederson.

Galatasaray doubled the lead just before the break. In the 44th minute, Ismail Jakobs took a throw-in, and Ederson punched the ball clear. Davinson Sanchez sent it back towards goal, and Osimhen got to it first to head in his second of the night. Fenerbahce had little to offer in the first half and were fortunate to reach the interval only two goals down.

Osimhen thought he had completed a hat-trick after the restart, but the goal was ruled out for offside. He and Jakobs also both hit the post for the hosts. Fenerbahce finally got back into the game in the 62nd minute. Irfan Can Kahveci scored a spectacular overhead kick, after a delivery from Kerem Akturkoglu and a touch from Oguz Aydin, to make it 2-1.

The visitors pressed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages. Their best chance came in the 90th minute, when defender Milan Skriniar headed towards goal after a scramble from a set-piece. Mario Lemina cleared the ball off the goal line. Wilfried Singo had replaced Osimhen in the 88th minute as head coach Okan Buruk's side saw out the game.

The win lifts Galatasaray, the defending champions, to 22 points from nine matches. They are six points clear of Fenerbahce, who are fifth with 16 points. Osimhen's brace took him to eight league goals, level with fellow Nigerian Gift Orban at the top of the scoring chart.

The match ended in chaos. A mass confrontation involving players and staff broke out after the final whistle, and two players were sent off. Galatasaray visit Konyaspor next in the league.