Victor Osimhen delivers a masterclass efficiency as his beautiful hat-trick powered Galatasaray to an important victory over Ajax, at Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Below the floodlights, Galatasaray wasted no time asserting management, having fun with almost 75% possession within the early exchanges.
Ajax struggled to deal with the Turkish champions’ depth, with Leroy Sané and Gabriel Sara consistently threatening down the wings.
The breakthrough got here within the 59th minute, when Sané delivered a exact cross for Osimhen to move house, placing Galatasaray deservedly in entrance. The aim was confirmed after a short VAR overview.
Drama and double penalty delight
The sport quickly descended into drama, as Galatasaray have been awarded two penalties following handball incidents contained in the field.
The primary got here within the 63rd minute in opposition to Youri Baas, and the second within the 76th minute in opposition to Gerald Alders.
Osimhen coolly transformed each spot kicks, one sending goalkeeper Remko Pasveer the fallacious approach, the opposite narrowly sneaking previous his dive, sealing his hat-trick by the 79th minute.
Ajax’s frustration was evident as Davy Klaassen and Anton Gaaei each picked up yellow playing cards for rash challenges, whereas supervisor Johnny Heitinga was booked for dissent.
Tactical modifications, similar consequence
Regardless of Ajax’s late substitutions, together with Wout Weghorst and Rayane Bounida, the Dutch aspect did not discover a approach again into the sport.
Galatasaray’s midfield trio of Mario Lemina, Lucas Torreira, and Wilfried Singo dominated proceedings, breaking apart play and dictating the sport.
Within the last moments, Osimhen was substituted to a standing ovation, strolling off with the match ball, a becoming memento for his ruthless show.
A Evening to remember
By full time, the stats instructed the story: Galatasaray had 52% possession, double Ajax’s pictures on course, and full management all through.