Galatasaray 3-1 PAOK: Osimhen stars as Galatasaray begin Europa League charge with home victory

Galatasaray commenced their campaign in the newly-structured UEFA Europa League (UEL) for the 2024/25 season with an impressive 3-1 triumph over PAOK at RAMS Park. The hosts have achieved victory in six of their last seven encounters against Greek teams across all competitions, suffering only one defeat.

In the inaugural clash between the two sides, Galatasaray threatened their Greek counterparts within the first 20 seconds, as Victor Osimhen, on loan from Napoli, headed just over the crossbar.

The reigning Süper Lig champions created another chance to take the lead during a dominant opening 15 minutes, with captain Kaan Ayhan coming close; however, his first-time effort at the back post was skillfully denied by Dominik Kotarski.

While the match unfolded predominantly in PAOK's half, the Greek side managed to pose their first challenge after 25 minutes, with Mady Camara's shot being well saved by Günay Güvenç. Despite this brief interruption in Galatasaray's control, the home side quickly resumed their offensive.

Osimhen's close-range effort was blocked by the imposing Kotarski on the goal line, followed by a powerful strike from Gabriel Sara that required Kotarski to spring into action, successfully preventing the midfielder from finding the net.

Nevertheless, it was the leaders of the Greek Super League who nearly capitalized on a lapse in concentration from the Lions during injury time. Giannis Konstantelias received a brilliant pass that split the defense, but Güvenç instinctively rushed off his line to thwart the one-on-one opportunity.

Galatasaray wasted no time in celebrating after the second half commenced, as Osimhen's header was inadvertently deflected into the net by a hapless Baba Rahman, putting the hosts ahead.

Barış Alper Yılmaz directed a header directly at PAOK’s goalkeeper as the match passed the hour mark; however, it was not the Croatian custodian who was retrieving the ball from the net after 67 minutes.

Seeking redemption for his earlier miss, Konstantelias found himself in the right position to level the score after Jonny’s cross-shot fortuitously deflected off Güvenç’s glove and into his path.

Nevertheless, the home side required nine minutes to regain their advantage, as Osimhen provided his second headed assist of the night, enabling Yunus Akgün to strike the ball powerfully past Kotarski.

Galatasaray remained largely unchallenged until the final whistle, with substitute Mauro Icardi elegantly converting a third goal deep into injury time.

The Süper Lig leaders appear almost certain to advance to the knockout stages, having suffered only one defeat in their last 13 encounters in the UEL group stage (W8, D4). In contrast, PAOK's poor performance in the competition persists, with only one victory in their last 11 matches (D3, L7).