Victor Osimhen scored the opening goal as Galatasaray crushed Fenerbahce 3-0 in Sunday’s fiery Istanbul derby at Rams Park, opening up a seven-point lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig with just three matches remaining.
The Nigerian striker, who had been cleared to play despite Fenerbahce’s complaint about his protective arm brace, proved decisive as Galatasaray dominated their fierce rivals in one of Turkish football’s most anticipated matches of the season.
The match started dramatically when Fenerbahce won a penalty in the opening minutes after Davinson Sanchez fouled Sidiki Cherif in the area. However, Brazilian star Anderson Talisca stepped up and missed the crucial spot-kick, squandering a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead.
The penalty miss proved costly as Galatasaray seized control of the match. Osimhen broke the deadlock from four yards out, finishing clinically to send the home crowd into raptures and silence the visiting Fenerbahce supporters.
After Osimhen’s opener, Galatasaray continued pressing for more goals. Barış Yılmaz doubled the advantage before halftime, putting Okan Buruk’s side firmly in command.
In the second half, Lucas Torreira sealed the comprehensive victory with a right-footed shot from the center of the box following a corner kick. The Uruguayan midfielder’s goal came after Osimhen had another effort saved by Fenerbahce goalkeeper Mert Gunok.
The Nigerian’s participation in the derby had been in doubt after Fenerbahce filed a formal complaint with the Turkish Football Federation about his protective arm brace. The Yellow Canaries alleged the equipment posed a safety risk to opposing players.
However, the TFF dismissed the complaint after confirming the brace was medically approved following proper consultation with health officials. Turkish pundit Levent Tuzemen had dismissed Fenerbahce’s objection, stating: “I think Fenerbahce’s management is objecting to the bandage on Victor Osimhen’s arm out of fear of the Nigerian star’s presence.”
Osimhen, who fractured his arm during Galatasaray’s 4-0 Champions League loss to Liverpool on March 18, had spent 35 days on the sidelines before making his comeback. He featured for 17 minutes against Gençlerbirliği in the Turkish Cup earlier in the week, reporting no pain to the coaching staff.
The comprehensive victory extends Galatasaray’s lead over Fenerbahce to seven points with just three matches remaining in the Turkish Super Lig season. The result virtually guarantees Okan Buruk’s side their fourth consecutive league title.
This defeat for Fernebarçe is a crushing blow to their title hopes. Despite fielding stars like Anderson Talisca, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, and others, they were comprehensively outplayed by their bitter rivals.
The match lived up to its billing as one of Turkish football’s fiercest rivalries, with the intensity and passion that defines the Intercontinental Derby. Galatasaray fans lit flares in celebration as their team secured a statement victory that edges them closer to domestic glory.
Osimhen has now scored 13 Turkish Super Lig goals in 20 appearances this season, adding four assists to his tally. His return from injury at the perfect moment has proven crucial for Galatasaray’s title push.
