Victor Osimhen could not score as Galatasaray held off a tough fight from Elfsborg to win 4-3 in their third Europa League match.
This win keeps Galatasaray unbeaten in 10 games across all competitions.
Osimhen played for 86 minutes before being replaced by Michy Batshuayi. He struggled to make an impact, but his teammates managed to secure all three points for the Turkish team.
Elfsborg’s defense, which had allowed seven goals in their last two games, faced pressure early in the game.
Elfsborg goalkeeper Isak Pettersson made some great saves, stopping two shots from Mauro Icardi in the first 10 minutes and blocking Osimhen’s header.
Mauro Icardi opened the scoring for Galatasaray in the 28th minute, and an own goal by Elfsborg’s Pettersson made it 2-0. Baris Alper Yilmaz added a third goal before halftime.
Elfsborg came back strong in the second half, scoring twice in the 52nd and 65th minutes, causing worry among Galatasaray fans.
However, Yunus Akgun scored in the 83rd minute to secure Galatasaray’s lead. Elfsborg’s Johan Larson scored their third goal in added time, but it was not enough. Batshuayi’s fifth goal for Galatasaray was ruled out for offside.
There are also reports that Osimhen has told Galatasaray he wants to stay at the club.
Talks between Galatasaray and Napoli over a permanent transfer for Osimhen are expected to start in January. Osimhen, currently on loan from Napoli, said: “I want to stay (at Galatasaray). Solve my transfer fee problem.”
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk confirmed that the striker is happy at the club.
