Victor Osimhen scored once again in Galatasaray colours as the Turkish side held AZ Alkmaar to a 2-2 draw on Thursday in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout phase play-off, Afrosport reports.
Osimhen got his sixth goal in seven games in the competition, but it proved futile as Galatasaray was eliminated 6-3 on aggregate by their Dutch opponent, who won the first leg 4-1 last week.
The Nigerian missed the first leg due to suspension, but his presence at RAMS Park did not stop AZ, as the Eredivisie club hit the ground running in the opening minutes.
AZ Alkmaar draw in Istanbul to progress 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/HSmuFRSZFE
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 20, 2025
The visitors were in the driving seat in the first 30 minutes, but they failed to take the lead as Troy Parrott, Kristijan Belic, and captain Sven Mijnans all missed opportunities to break the deadlock.
AZ, however, took the lead in the 42nd minute with Japanese fullback Seiya Maikuma benefitting from a deflection to put his side ahead.
Maarten Martens’ side consolidated their dominance with another goal 10 minutes into the second half as Dutch defender Denso Kasius’ 25-yard strike left goalkeeper Gunay Guvenc helpless.
Osimhen drew one back for Galatasaray almost immediately with a ferocious strike from inside the box to register his 20th goal in 25 matches in all competitions for the Turkish Super Lig club this season.
The hosts drew level through Hungarian midfielder Roland Sallai, the scorer of their only goal in the reverse fixture. The 27-year-old connected with a low cross from Barıs Alper Yılmaz before finishing calmly for his side’s second of the game.
The deficit, however, was too much for Galatasaray to overcome as they fell short to AZ, with the Dutch club progressing into the round of 16 to face either Manchester United or Tottenham.
