Osimhen caged as Fenerbahce hold Gala
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen failed to break down Fenerbahce’s resolute defence as Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray were held to a goalless draw in the Intercontinental Derby at RAMS Park on Sunday, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian forward, who has been in scintillating form with 20 goals and five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season, was effectively contained by Jose Mourinho’s well-organised side in a fiercely contested Istanbul derby.
Osimhen thought he had won a penalty in the first half after being brought down in the box, but referee Slavko Vinčić – the UEFA Champions League final official specially appointed for this high-profile clash following months of refereeing controversy in Turkey – waved away the appeals.
The stalemate marked the first time this season that Galatasaray have failed to score in a league match, a testament to Fenerbahce’s defensive discipline in frustrating the league’s most potent attack.
In a match dominated by fouls and disruptions rather than clear-cut chances, neither side managed to impose themselves in attacking areas. The hosts controlled possession for much of the encounter but struggled to test Fenerbahce goalkeeper İrfan Can Eğribayat.
Fenerbahce nearly took an early lead when Dušan Tadić’s deflected effort found the net, but the goal was quickly disallowed after Sebastian Szymański was judged to have fouled Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in the build-up.
The visitors came closest to breaking the deadlock in the second half, with Çağlar Söyüncü’s header comfortably saved by Muslera before Fred fired wide of the post. Alexander Djiku also forced a fine save from the Galatasaray shot-stopper as Mourinho’s men looked the more threatening side after the interval.
Despite the result, Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray remain in command of the title race, maintaining their nine-point advantage over Fenerbahce with just 12 matches remaining. The draw extends Gala’s unbeaten league campaign, which now stands at 24 matches (W20, D4).
For Osimhen, the draw represents a rare blank in what has otherwise been an impressive loan spell in Turkey, following his temporary move from Napoli. The 26-year-old will be eager to return to scoring ways as Galatasaray look to secure their second consecutive league title.
The result also continues Mourinho’s struggle to challenge for domestic honours, with the Portuguese coach’s last trophy in a national competition coming in 2017 when he led Manchester United to EFL Cup success.
