UCL: Victor Osimhen shines with a brace as Galatasaray beat Bodø/Glimt 3-1
Victor Osimhen was once again the headline act as he fired Galatasaray to a 3-1 victory over Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. The Nigerian forward scored twice in the first half to set the Turkish champions on course for a crucial win at the RAMS Park in Istanbul.
Osimhen’s latest performance continues his blistering run of form, coming just days after he netted a hat-trick for Nigeria in their 4-0 win over Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Read also: CAF Awards 2025: Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi lead Player of the Year Nominee List
It took Osimhen just three minutes to make his mark. Latching onto a perfectly weighted pass, the Super Eagles striker drove a low right-footed strike past goalkeeper Mario Lemina into the bottom corner to give Galatasaray an early lead. The goal electrified the home crowd, setting the tone for what would become a dominant display.
Bodø/Glimt tried to settle into the game, but their defensive line struggled to contain Osimhen’s movement and physicality. The Nigerian’s pressing and off-the-ball runs constantly forced mistakes at the back.
Clinical finish doubles the advantage
In the 33rd minute, Osimhen pounced again. A misjudged back pass by Fredrik Bjørkan left the Galatasaray striker one-on-one with Lemina, and he made no mistake—slotting calmly into the net for his second of the night.
By halftime, the hosts were in full control, with Bodø/Glimt barely managing a shot on target.
Akgün seals it; Helmersen pulls one back
After the restart, Galatasaray kept up the pressure and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Yunus Akgün finished off a swift counterattack to make it 3-0. His curling strike into the far corner sent the Istanbul faithful into celebration once again.
Bodø/Glimt grabbed a consolation in the 74th minute through Andreas Helmersen, who found space inside the box to beat goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. But it was too little, too late for the Norwegian side.
Osimhen’s form turns heads across Europe
With this brace, Osimhen has now scored five goals in his last three matches for club and country. His consistency and ability to deliver on the big stage have made him one of Europe’s most in-form strikers this season.
The 26-year-old has seamlessly adapted to life in Turkey after his summer move, quickly becoming a fan favourite among Galatasaray supporters. His leadership and relentless energy up front have transformed the team’s attack, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
Elsewhere in Europe: Barcelona hit six past Olympiacos
In another standout result, Barcelona bounced back from their previous defeat to Paris Saint-Germain with a commanding 6-1 win over Olympiacos. Fermin Lopez stole the show with a hat-trick, while Marcus Rashford scored twice and teenager Lamine Yamal added his name to the scoresheet.
Despite missing key players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Hansi Flick’s side produced a statement performance ahead of their La Liga showdown with Real Madrid this weekend.
Up Next
Galatasaray’s win keeps them firmly in contention in the Champions League group phase as they prepare for their next fixture against RB Salzburg. With Osimhen in his current form, the Turkish giants will believe anything is possible.
SportsLigue