UCL: Osimhen fires Galatasaray to first win as Como hand Man United heavy defeat

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen scored his first UEFA Champions League goal of the season to help Galatasaray beat Lille 4-2 away from home on Wednesday, while Como handed Manchester United a humiliating 4-1 defeat in another fixture.

Osimhen’s goal sealed Galatasaray’s first victory of the campaign, ending their five-game losing run away from home in the competition and boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

The Nigerian forward, who was voted Man of the Match, struck after Lucas Torreira had put the Turkish visitors ahead early in the second half. Osimhen fired past Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer to make it 4-2, but chose not to celebrate against his former club.

The 27-year-old played for Lille during the 2019/2020 season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions and earning the club’s Player of the Season award before moving to Napoli.

Galatasaray had taken an early lead through Yunus Akgün, only for Soriba Diaoune to score twice and put Lille ahead. Aleksey Batrakov levelled before half-time, setting up an entertaining second half in which Torreira and Osimhen secured the win.

The result leaves Lille without a point after three matches, while Osimhen’s contribution offers Galatasaray a timely boost in their European campaign.

Man United fumble again

In Italy, Como compounded Manchester United’s problems with a 4-1 victory at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

READ ALSO: Galatasaray explain Osimhen’s limited role after injury comeback

Nico Paz opened the scoring inside two minutes before setting up Anastasios Douvikas to double the lead after the break. Paz then scored his second of the night, capitalising on an error by substitute Carlos Baleba, before Jacobo Ramon headed in Como’s fourth in the 76th minute. Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation for United.

The defeat extended United’s winless run across all competitions to seven matches, comprising three draws and four losses.

For Nigerian football fans, seeing Ademola Lookman grab an assist on Tuesday and Osimhen’s return to the Champions League scoresheet is heartwarming.

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Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini