"I could have scored four": Osimhen reflects on missed hat-trick in Galatasaray's victory

In an intense Europa League clash on Thursday night, Galatasaray pulled off a crucial 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi RAMS Park, marking their third win in the competition’s group stage, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

Victor Osimhen was in brilliant form, netting twice in the first half—his first-ever brace in the opening half of a European competition.

The Nigerian striker restored Galatasaray's lead after Yunus Akgün’s opener was canceled out by Will Lankshear. Osimhen scored his first in the 31st minute from Dries Mertens’ assist, and just eight minutes later, he doubled the advantage with a well-placed shot off his left instep.

Despite his two goals, Osimhen expressed some frustration post-match in an interview with TNT Sports, saying, “I would have got like, if I am not mistaken, four goals. In the last minutes, I lost a bit of focus but of course, it’s normal, that’s why I was really angry at myself."

Galatasaray's win propelled them above Tottenham in the table, with ten points from four matches. Buoyed by this achievement, Osimhen voiced confidence in the team's potential, saying, "As a squad, we really have that quality to continue to go forward, continue to build on this momentum...I think we have the squad to go further and try to win the Europa League. It's not going to be easy...but we will be prepared for any of them and then we will be ready."

With such performances, Osimhen continues to show his value, and Galatasaray’s chances in the tournament look promising as they eye a strong run.

Oluwayemi Omolagba