Konyaspor vs Galatasaray: Osimhen Scores in 4-0 Win
Konyaspor vs Galatasaray ended in another convincing win for the Turkish champions. Victor Osimhen scored to help Galatasaray cruise to a 4-0 win at the MEDAŞ Konya Büyükşehir Stadium on Friday. The result keeps Okan Buruk's side top of the Süper Lig.
Osimhen opened the scoring for the visitors before Yunus Akgün doubled their advantage. Aleksey Batrakov and Rafael Leão then added second-half goals as Galatasaray completed a comfortable away victory.
The result gives Galatasaray their eighth Süper Lig win of the season. It takes them to 25 points from 10 matches and keeps them at the top of the table. Konyaspor, meanwhile, remain on eight points.
Osimhen Strikes Again for Galatasaray
It did not take long for Galatasaray to establish control.
Osimhen put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute, rising to meet Gabriel Sara's free-kick and directing a powerful header into the Konyaspor net. It was another important goal for the Nigerian striker, who had already scored twice in Galatasaray's 2-1 victory over Fenerbahçe earlier in the week. His goal against Konyaspor took his league tally to nine goals this season, continuing a strong run of form for the Super Eagles forward.
The opening goal also added an interesting subplot to the match, as Osimhen was facing fellow Nigerian international Chidozie Awaziem in the Konyaspor defence.
Awaziem had the difficult task of dealing with one of the most dangerous forwards in the Süper Lig. Osimhen won that particular battle by getting on the scoresheet.
Yunus Akgün Doubles the Lead
Galatasaray did not settle for their early advantage. The visitors continued to look dangerous in attack, with Rafael Leão coming close to scoring before goalkeeper Bahadır Güngördü made an significant save.
Eventually, the second goal arrived in the 28th minute. Following a corner routine, Batrakov found Yunus Akgün outside the penalty area. The Galatasaray forward then unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Konyaspor had opportunities to reduce the deficit, as Uğurcan Çakır made an important goal-line save, while Jackson Muleka later struck the crossbar with a header. Those chances showed the hosts were not out of the contest, but Galatasaray went into the interval with a two-goal lead.
See the news on Nigeria's Flamingoes at the U-17 World Cup here
Batrakov and Leão Finish the Job in Konyaspor vs Galatasaray
Any hope of a Konyaspor comeback disappeared shortly after the restart.
Batrakov made it 3-0 in the 49th minute after receiving a pass from Sara and driving into the box before finishing past the goalkeeper. The goal was that significant for the Russian midfielder because it was his first Süper Lig goal for Galatasaray. He had already found the net in European competition, but his strike in Konya opened his domestic account.
Galatasaray then received a penalty after a VAR review. Leão had gone down inside the Konyaspor penalty area following a challenge from Baniya. After reviewing the incident, referee Cihan Aydın awarded Galatasaray a spot-kick. Leão took responsibility and converted in the 55th minute to make it 4-0.
It was another notable moment for the Portuguese forward, who scored his first goal for Galatasaray since joining the club.
Ahead of the November international break, let us revisit this important debate: Is it a much-needed rest or an unwanted distraction?
Galatasaray Remain in Control
With a four-goal cushion, Galatasaray were able to manage the remainder of the match.
Buruk made several substitutions, including taking Osimhen, Sara, Yunus and Batrakov off around the hour mark. Leroy Sané, İlkay Gündoğan, Lesley Ugochukwu and Deniz Gül were among those introduced as Galatasaray looked ahead to their next challenge.
The changes did little to alter the outcome. Konyaspor struggled to create the kind of sustained pressure needed to get back into the match, while Galatasaray remained comfortable until the final whistle./p>
The Konyaspor 0-4 Galatasaray result therefore extended the champions' impressive league run and maintained their place at the summit with 25 points.
Key Points from Konyaspor vs Galatasaray
- Osimhen: another goal and another reminder of his importance to the Galatasaray attack, taking his league tally to nine.
- Leão: converted the penalty for his first goal for Galatasaray since joining the club.
- Batrakov: opened his Süper Lig account.
- Akgün: played his part with a superb long-range finish.
Galatasaray will now turn their attention to their upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against VfB Stuttgart before returning to domestic action.
