Galatasaray secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Antalyaspor on Friday night, with Victor Osimhen stealing the show with a stunning hat-trick that further solidified his place as the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig.
The Nigerian striker was in unstoppable form, proving once again why he is one of the most lethal forwards in European football. His clinical finishing, movement, and ability to create space made all the difference in a match where Galatasaray completely outclassed their opponents.
The striker, currently on loan from Napoli, has been a key figure for the Turkish giants this season, and his impact was felt once again as he opened the scoring after 30 minutes. A well-worked team move saw Álvaro Morata deliver a low cross into the box, which Osimhen instinctively met at the far post, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper with a composed finish. It was a classic striker’s goal, a testament to his positional awareness and predatory instincts inside the box.
Just before halftime, Galatasaray doubled their lead from the penalty spot after an Antalyaspor defender handled the ball inside the area. Morata stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, making it 2-0 and giving the hosts a commanding lead. The Spanish striker has been forming a strong partnership with Osimhen in attack, with both players complementing each other’s styles Morata providing a more physical presence and link-up play, while Osimhen thrives on his pace and sharp movement.
Galatasaray was not done yet, and moments later, Osimhen struck again to extend the lead to 3-0. The goal was almost identical to his first, but this time it was Baris Yilmaz providing the decisive cross. Osimhen’s off-the-ball movement was impeccable, as he peeled away from his marker before clinically finishing past the goalkeeper once again. By halftime, Galatasaray had firm control of the match, with Osimhen leading the charge in a spectacular first-half performance.
The second half saw Galatasaray maintain control, but Antalyaspor tried to regain some composure, sitting deeper and attempting to limit the damage. However, Osimhen was not finished yet. His third goal, completing his hat-trick, was by far the most impressive of the night. After receiving a well-timed through ball from Yunus Akgün, Osimhen displayed his technical brilliance, taking the ball in stride with a delicate touch before firing a powerful shot into the far corner. The precision and confidence behind the strike left the goalkeeper helpless, as the ball nestled into the net to make it 4-0 and cap off a perfect night for both Osimhen and Galatasaray.
The Nigerian forward’s hat-trick sent a strong message to the rest of the league, as he not only led his team to victory but also claimed the top spot in the Süper Lig’s goal-scoring charts. With twenty goals, he has now overtaken Krzysztof Piatek of Istanbul Basaksehir, who has eighteen goals. Youssef En-Nesyri of Fenerbahçe rounds out the top three with sixteen goals. Osimhen’s performances this season have been nothing short of exceptional, and with Galatasaray firmly leading the league, he is well on track to win the Golden Boot.
This victory further cemented Galatasaray’s position at the top of the table, as they now hold a ten-point lead over arch-rivals Fenerbahçe. However, the title race is not over yet, as Fenerbahçe still has two games in hand, meaning that the battle for the championship is far from settled. Galatasaray, however, remains in pole position and will take confidence from the dominance they displayed in this match.
The club’s attack looks more dangerous than ever, with Osimhen and Morata forming a deadly partnership. The two strikers have been instrumental in Galatasaray’s push for the title, and if they continue their form, it will be difficult for any team to stop them. With their next matches on the horizon, Galatasaray will be eager to maintain their momentum and edge closer to securing another league title.
Osimhen, who arrived in Turkey with high expectations, is proving to be one of the signings of the season. His ability to deliver when it matters most has made him a fan favorite among the Galatasaray supporters, and his goal-scoring exploits are playing a crucial role in their push for silverware. If he continues at this pace, he will not only win the league’s Golden Boot but also further enhance his reputation as one of the most feared strikers in European football.