Victor Osimhen Returns from Injury as Galatasaray Draw 1–1 with Fenerbahçe in Istanbul Derby
Victor Osimhen made his much-anticipated return to action on Monday night as Galatasaray were held to a 1–1 draw by fierce city rivals Fenerbahçe in a tense Istanbul derby.
The Nigerian striker was restored to the starting XI by head coach Okan Buruk after recovering from a minor hamstring injury picked up during international duty last month. Osimhen showed flashes of his sharpness throughout the encounter, though his night ended on a frustrating note when he received a booking in the 71st minute for a clumsy challenge. He was eventually substituted for Mauro Icardi just moments before full-time.
The stalemate at the Ülker Stadium leaves the Turkish Super Lig title race finely balanced. Galatasaray remain top of the table, but their lead over second-placed Fenerbahçe has now been cut to just one point.
Oyebade Oluwafemi
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors