Osimhen Hits Hat-Trick as Galatasaray Crush Ajax in Champions League

Victor Osimhen stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick as Galatasaray handed Ajax their fourth consecutive Champions League defeat of the season. The Nigerian striker, who has been in superb form, took his European tally to six goals this term and reached a historic milestone — 25 goals in European competitions — surpassing Obafemi Martins as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in Europe.

After a goalless first half where Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer twice denied Osimhen, the forward finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, heading in Leroy Sane’s cross ahead of defender Josip Sutalo.

Ajax’s troubles deepened when the referee awarded Galatasaray two penalties for handball offences. The first came after a VAR review showed the ball deflecting off Youri Baas’ leg onto his arm. Osimhen calmly converted it. Minutes later, Anton Gaaei conceded another penalty, and the Nigerian powered his shot into the top-right corner to complete his hat-trick.

The result leaves Ajax bottom of their group, having lost all four games with a miserable 14-1 aggregate. Galatasaray, on the other hand, climbed to ninth in the standings and are now within reach of the top eight, which guarantees automatic qualification to the knockout stage.