Galatasaray delivered a historic 5-2 victory over Juventus in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off, producing one of the most memorable European nights in the club’s history.

While he did not score, Victor Osimhen was central to the triumph, providing two crucial assists and relentlessly troubling the Italian defense with his movement, strength, and intelligent link-up play.

The match at Rams Park began with Galatasaray taking the lead through Gabriel Sara after a defensive lapse.

Juventus responded quickly, as Teun Koopmeiners struck twice before halftime to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to the Turkish champions. Noa Lang equalized from close range, energizing the home crowd, before Davinson Sanchez powered in a header to restore Galatasaray’s lead.

Juventus’ hopes suffered a major setback when substitute Juan Cabal received a second yellow card, reducing the Italian side to ten men.

Osimhen then took control creatively.

He set up Lang for his second goal to make it 4-2 and later provided another assist for Sacha Boey to seal the emphatic 5-2 win.

It marked the first time in Osimhen’s career he has recorded two assists in consecutive matches, underlining his evolving all-round game.

The result was record-breaking. No team had ever scored five goals against Juventus in a Champions League match before.

Galatasaray also became the first Turkish club to score five goals in a single Champions League game, and the first from Turkey to net five against an Italian side in European competition.

Individually, Noa Lang became the first Galatasaray player to score twice on his Champions League debut, while Gabriel Sara joined an elite club list by scoring and assisting in a knockout match — a feat previously achieved only by Wesley Sneijder for the team.

Ahead of the clash, Osimhen had confidently stated he considers himself among the world’s best strikers.

The 27-year-old, who has scored over 50 goals since joining Galatasaray two years ago, also reunited with Former Coach Luciano Spalletti, under whom he won the Serie A title at Napoli.

Despite not scoring against Juventus, his performance showcased maturity, creativity, and leadership.

Looking ahead, Galatasaray travel to Turin for the decisive second leg holding a commanding advantage. They must avoid a defeat by three goals to reach the last 16.

Osimhen’s four years in Italy could prove vital in managing the pressure.

He is also closing in on a club record. With six goals in six Champions League appearances this season, he is just two shy of equalling Burak Yılmaz’s club record of eight goals in a single campaign (2012/13) — and three away from setting a new benchmark.

Combined with nine league goals this term, anticipation is high for what could be another defining European night for the Nigerian star.