Champions League: Victor Osimhen scores against Lille and helps Galatasaray bounce back

21.10.26 FT Champions League

Lille

2

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Galatasaray

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Victor Osimhen scored his second goal of the Champions League season against Lille, his former club, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. His goal sealed Galatasaray's 4-2 victory in France, earning the Istanbul club its first points of the campaign.

Victor Osimhen chose a special moment to get back on the scoresheet in the Champions League. Against Lille, where he made his breakthrough during the 2019-2020 season, the Nigerian striker scored Galatasaray's fourth goal in the 61st minute. Set up by Barış Alper Yılmaz, he found the net to make it 4-2 and put his team out of reach.

The Nigerian did not celebrate his goal. It was a mark of respect for LOSC, where he played before moving to Napoli. During the 2019-2020 season, he scored 18 goals in 38 appearances for the French club, according to statistics published by UEFA. He was also named Lille's player of the season.

A goal to regain confidence

The goal came as Osimhen has been dealing with physical problems in recent months. Finding the net in such a demanding competition could help him regain confidence and continue his progress with Galatasaray.

His goal also sealed an important victory for the Turkish club. After taking the lead in the second minute through Yunus Akgün, Galatasaray was pegged back and then overtaken by Lille, who were inspired by a brace from Soriba Diaoune. Aleksey Batrakov equalised before half-time, then an own goal by Nabil Bentaleb, following a header from Lucas Torreira, allowed the visitors to regain the lead in the 52nd minute. Osimhen then definitively extended the gap.

After two defeats in their first European outings, Galatasaray have now secured their first victory in the league phase. The result revives their campaign and gives Okan Buruk's team some breathing room.

Read also: Lille vs Galatasaray: Davide Ancelotti warns his team about Victor Osimhen

Osimhen takes his Champions League tally to 17 goals

With this goal, Osimhen's Champions League tally rises to 17, according to the figures released before the match. The total highlights his effectiveness on the European stage, where he has represented several clubs, including Lille, Napoli and Galatasaray.

The Nigerian striker also ranks among Galatasaray's most prolific players in their first appearances in the competition. According to the statistics released, he scored in at least two of his first three Champions League matches for the Turkish club, with three goals during that period. He is ahead of Mauro Icardi and Jardel, who are credited with two goals each.

Against Lille, Osimhen therefore scored a goal laden with memories while contributing to a valuable victory for Galatasaray. For the Nigerian, the goal also represents an opportunity to reignite his momentum after a period disrupted by injuries.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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