Victor Osimhen scored for Galatasaray before being forced off with an injury as the Turkish champions edged Istanbul Basaksehir 3-2 in a dramatic league encounter on Friday.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing a well-built Galatasaray attack to register his sixth goal of the season.
However, Osimhen’s night was cut short after he appeared to pick up an injury. The Nigerian lasted only another 17 minutes before being replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Basaksehir fight back twice
Galatasaray maintained their lead until the second half, when Basaksehir were awarded a penalty in the 66th minute.
Eldor Shomurodov stepped up and converted from the spot to bring the hosts level and put Galatasaray under pressure.
The visitors responded almost immediately, restoring their advantage five minutes later.
Lucas Torreira finished off a well-worked team move in the 71st minute to put Galatasaray back in front.
Basaksehir refused to go away, though, and found another equaliser when Galatasaray defender Davinson Sánchez inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
With both sides appearing set to settle for a point, Galatasaray produced the decisive moment deep into stoppage time.
Sara seals dramatic late victory
Gabriel Sara stepped up for a free-kick in the 90th minute and delivered a superb effort into the net to give Galatasaray a 3-2 lead.
Basaksehir were unable to respond before the final whistle, allowing Galatasaray to claim another important victory and maintain their strong start to the campaign.
While the three points will satisfy the Turkish champions, the biggest concern will be Osimhen’s condition.
The forward had already made a decisive contribution before his early departure, but Galatasaray will now await further information on the extent of the injury and whether it could affect his availability for their upcoming fixtures.
