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Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen made history in the UEFA Champions League playoff return leg against Juventus, becoming the club's top-scoring foreign player in European competitions. The Nigerian striker kept his celebration subdued after his crucial extra-time goal and later explained his feelings in post-match interviews.
On February 25, 2026, at Allianz Stadium, Galatasaray fell 3-2 in extra time to Juventus but advanced 7-5 on aggregate following a 5-2 first-leg victory.
Juventus goals came from Manuel Locatelli's penalty (37'), Federico Gatti (70'), and Weston McKennie (82'), despite playing with 10 men midway through the second half. Osimhen struck in the 105+1st minute, with Baris Alper Yilmaz adding a late reply at 119'.
Osimhen's tally marked his 13th European goal for Galatasaray, eclipsing Milan Baros and Shabani Nonda (12 each), and represented his seventh in this season's competition.
Osimhen said there was no need to celebrate because of two main reasons: first, he respects Luciano Spalletti deeply, as the coach played an important role in his career and deserves acknowledgement.
Second, he felt that Galatasaray’s overall performance was not good enough, even against a 10‑man opponent, so an emotional celebration did not feel right.
He also noted that he is not someone who hides his emotions, but in that moment, he simply chose to stay composed rather than jubilant.
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