Victor Osimhen played all 90 minutes as Galatasaray beat Stuttgart 2-0 at RAMS Park on Tuesday night. The Turkish champions moved closer to a spot in the Champions League knockout rounds with the win.
Osimhen did not get on the scoresheet this time. Even so, his work up front played a big part in the result.
Stuttgart started the better side. Jamie Leweling hit the inside of both posts in the eighth minute, and the visitors were very unlucky not to lead.
However, Galatasaray took the lead soon after. Aleksei Batrakov fired a close-range shot into the roof of the net in the 12th minute, and RAMS Park erupted.
Three minutes later, the Russian struck again. He ran in behind the Stuttgart defence and slotted the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow.
As a result, the game was almost settled before the 15-minute mark.
Osimhen kept busy throughout the night. He dragged defenders around, made runs in behind and got his shots away. Unfortunately, none of them found the net.
His effort from distance in the first half went off target. After the break, he had a shot blocked and then forced Bredlow into a save in the 56th minute.
In the same way, Stuttgart had to commit bodies to deal with him. That left space for Batrakov and the others, which is why Osimhen’s night counted for more than his stats suggest.
Stuttgart improved after the restart and had more of the ball. Chris Fuhrich went close twice, first with a shot straight at the keeper and then with a curler that drifted just past the far post.
In the end, the home side held firm. It was Stuttgart’s first defeat of this season’s Champions League campaign.
Galatasaray also arrived in good form. They beat Fenerbahce 2-1 in the derby last Sunday, so this was a good week for the club.
Galatasaray will now turn their attention to the next Champions League game. They host Aston Villa on Tuesday, November 24.
Before then, there are more Super Lig matches to play. Osimhen will hope to get his name on the scoresheet in them.
