In a pulsating night of European action at Rams Park in Istanbul on Wednesday, Galatasaray broke the deadlock just three minutes in. Osimhen latched onto a precise through-pass from Mario Lemina and finished with a neat right-foot into the bottom corner, exploiting early disorganisation in the Norwegian side’s defence. (Reuters)
With their tails up, Galatasaray maintained pressure. The second came in the 33rd minute after another defensive mistake by Bodø/Glimt: a loose back-pass from Fredrik André Bjørkan allowed Osimhen to round the keeper and slot in his second of the evening. (Flashscore)
That 2-0 lead set the tone for the rest of the match. After the interval, the hosts found a third goal in the 60th minute when Yunus Akgün capitalised on another turnover, scoring on the rebound after Bodø/Glimt keeper Nikita Haikin had denied the original effort. (Türkiye Today)
Despite some late pressure, the Norwegian outfit pulled one back via Andreas Helmersen in the 74th minute, heading home to make it 3-1. But by then the result was effectively sealed. (Reuters)
Significance & Records
Osimhen’s brace lifted his tally in the Champions League this season to at least 11 goals (as reported). (Soccernet.ng)
More importantly, he now holds the club record for most consecutive European matches with a goal for Galatasaray, reaching seven in a row, surpassing the previous mark held by Burak Yılmaz. (Soccernet.ng)
The victory keeps Galatasaray firmly in the hunt in their group, while dealing a blow to Bodø/Glimt’s hopes of mounting a push. According to Reuters, Galatasaray now sit on six points from three games. (Reuters)
Context & Team Notes
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk will be pleased with the attacking fluidity and early dominance shown by his side. The Norwegian outfit, coached by Kjetil Knutsen, struggled to cope with Galatasaray’s intensity and Osimhen’s movement. (Flashscore)
Bodø/Glimt had previously been on a five-game unbeaten run in European group-phase matches, but the loss halts that momentum. (tribalfootball.com)
Looking Ahead
For Galatasaray, the next challenge comes in their upcoming away fixture against Ajax Amsterdam — and momentum will be key. Bodø/Glimt will need to regroup and bounce back quickly if they are to keep their European hopes alive. According to reports, the Norwegian side remain on just two points after three matches. (Reuters)
Key Players
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray): The standout performer; two goals and constant threat.
Mario Lemina (Galatasaray): Provided the assist for the first and helped control midfield tempo.
Yunus Akgün (Galatasaray): Came up with the third goal to seal the win.
Fredrik Bjørkan & Bodø/Glimt defence: Their lapses proved costly in the first half.
