Osimhen’s double salvages draw for Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen scored twice as Galatasaray were held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted Çorum on the opening day of the Süper Lig season.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen made an immediate impact on the opening day of the new Süper Lig season, scoring twice as defending champions Galatasaray were held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted Çorum at RAMS Park.
Galatasaray entered the 2026/27 campaign as overwhelming favourites, having won the Turkish title last season and boasting a squad considerably stronger than their newly promoted opponents. The hosts dominated the early stages and controlled possession in midfield, while Osimhen immediately positioned himself inside the box, waiting for opportunities to make his mark.
Osimhen came close in the 15th minute after rising above his marker to meet a cross with a powerful header, only for his effort to drift narrowly wide. He remained a constant threat throughout the opening half, repeatedly demanding the ball despite receiving limited service. Neither side could break the deadlock before the interval, setting up a fascinating second half.
Galatasaray returned from the break with greater attacking intent and were rewarded in the 53rd minute. Osimhen finally found the breakthrough after being played through by Lucas Torreira. With goalkeeper Marcos Felipe advancing from his line, the Nigerian striker showed composure to chip the ball over him delicately and into the net to put Galatasaray 1-0 ahead.
However, the champions’ advantage lasted just six minutes as Çorum responded spectacularly when Alexandros Kyziridis unleashed a long-range effort that found the back of the net to level the contest. The visitors then completed a remarkable turnaround just two minutes later after Jesús Ramírez capitalised on a defensive mistake from Davinson Sánchez to give Çorum a 2-1 lead.
Galatasaray were handed a major boost in the 70th minute when Kyziridis was sent off for a reckless challenge on Yunus Akgün. With the home side desperate to rescue something from the contest, Okan Buruk turned to his bench, introducing İlkay Gündoğan, Eren Elmalı and Kaan Ayhan in an attempt to inject fresh energy.
The pressure finally told in the 90th minute as Gabriel Sara delivered a dangerous corner into the box and Osimhen rose highest to power a header into the bottom-left corner, completing his brace and restoring parity at 2-2. Galatasaray had seven minutes of additional time to find a winner, but Çorum held firm. Goalkeeper Marcos Felipe was particularly impressive, producing a series of crucial saves to frustrate the champions.
While Osimhen’s brace rescued a point, Galatasaray will need to improve significantly if they are to defend their Süper Lig crown successfully.
The winners: Galatasaray fans, who saw a dramatic late equaliser; and Osimhen, who has started the season in fine form. The losers: the Galatasaray defence, which conceded two avoidable goals; and the champions’ title ambitions, which have been dented on the opening day.
Bottom Line: Osimhen saved a point for Galatasaray with a late header. The champions were far from convincing. The question is whether they can improve before the next fixture.