Victor Osimhen’s late strike was not enough to save Galatasaray from defeat as Ajax secured a 2-1 victory in their final Europa League group phase match at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Thursday night.
The game featured two Nigerian forwards, with Osimhen leading the line for Galatasaray, while Chuba Akpom played a key role for Ajax after coming on as an early substitute.
Ajax took control of the match in the 23rd minute when Akpom’s curling effort was pushed into the path of Bertrand Traoré by Fernando Muslera, and the Burkinabé striker reacted quickly to slot home the rebound. The goal gave Ajax a deserved 1-0 lead at halftime.
Galatasaray created plenty of chances but struggled with their finishing. Osimhen had an opportunity to level the score in the first half when he met a perfect cross from Barış Alper Yılmaz, but his header went just wide. He later found himself through on goal but dragged his shot off target.
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Ajax doubled their advantage in the 58th minute through Kian Fitz-Jim. Traoré turned provider, setting up the midfielder, who took a superb first touch inside the penalty area before firing a low shot past Muslera.
The Turkish side continued to push forward and created a series of chances, with Batshuayi and Sara both missing crucial opportunities. Osimhen had another golden chance in the 67th minute when he rounded Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, but his shot from a tight angle could only find the side netting.
Galatasaray finally got a breakthrough deep into stoppage time. Osimhen reacted quickest to a rebound and poked the ball into the net in the 96th minute, setting up a tense finish. However, Ajax held on to claim all three points.
The result means Ajax leapfrogs Galatasaray in the standings, finishing 12th, while the Turkish side will have to settle for a place in the knockout play-off round. Ajax will now shift their focus to a home league match against Feyenoord on Sunday, while Galatasaray will travel to Gaziantep in the Turkish Super Lig next Monday.
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