UCL: Galatasaray beaten at home in Osimhen’s absence
The absence of Victor Osimhen proved costly for Galatasaray as the Turkish side suffered a shocking 0–1 loss at home to Union Saint-Gilloise in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League tie.
Promise David scored the only goal in Istanbul to end their three-game losing run in the Champions League, leaving Galatasaray fans to rue the absence of their top striker.
The Canadian was on hand in the 57th minute to sweep home Adem Zorgane’s cutback, one of the few clear chances created by either side in Turkey.
Both sides hit the woodwork in the first half — Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara crashed a 25-yard strike against the foot of the post, before Union captain Christian Burgess saw his header cannon off the crossbar.
Galatasaray lacked cutting edge in the absence of the injured Victor Osimhen, who with six goals is the top scorer in the Champions League this season, as former Manchester City players Ilkay Gündogan and Leroy Sané had quiet evenings, as did former Inter Milan and Paris St-Germain striker Mauro Icardi.
Sara went close late on when Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen parried away his header, before former Tottenham defender Davinson Sánchez blazed over from close range when it looked easier to score.
Galatasaray’s frustrations were compounded late on when Arda Unay was shown a second yellow card for a reckless tackle.
The Turkish giants were looking to record a fourth successive Champions League victory for the first time in their history, but remain on nine points after five games — while Union increase their total to six.
