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Victor Osimhen scored three goals, including two from the penalty spot, to lead Galatasaray to a 3-0 victory over Ajax in Champions League League action Thursday.
The Turkish side's breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Osimhen headed home from close range, connecting with a cross from Leroy Sane to give Galatasaray the lead after a scoreless first half.
Osimhen doubled his tally in the 66th minute, converting a penalty after video review confirmed Ajax defender Youri Baas had handled the ball in the area. The 25-year-old completed his hat trick from the spot again in the 78th minute when Gerald Alders was penalized for handball following another blocked shot attempt by Galatasaray.
Ajax held 48.5% of possession but struggled to convert their opportunities, managing just two shots on target compared to Galatasaray's seven. The Dutch side registered seven total shot attempts to their opponent's 14.
The home side made several changes in search of an equalizer, bringing on Gerald Alders, Kian Fitz-Jim, Rayane Bounida and James McConnell in the second half. McConnell picked up a yellow card in the 85th minute for a foul on Wilfried Singo.
Galatasaray also adjusted their lineup late, with Mauro Icardi replacing Osimhen in the 81st minute and Baris Alper Yilmaz entering for Gabriel Sara at halftime. The visitors from Türkiye made five substitutions total as they managed the match in its closing stages.
Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer made four saves, including stops on Osimhen and Sané attempts, but couldn't prevent the three penalty-area incidents that decided the contest. The result leaves Ajax without points from the fixture as Galatasaray claimed all three with their clinical finishing from the spot.
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