Victor Osimhen delivered one of the standout performances of the Champions League season as his sensational hat-trick powered Galatasaray to a commanding 3-0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
From kickoff, Galatasaray signaled their intent, dominating possession and dictating the tempo with nearly 75% control of the ball in the opening stages. Ajax, playing under immense pressure from their home crowd, struggled to settle into the match as Galatasaray’s attacking trio continued to threaten with every forward move.
Leroy Sané and Gabriel Sara were particularly lively down both flanks, stretching the Ajax defense and forcing mistakes as Galatasaray mounted wave after wave of attack.
Osimhen opens the floodgates
The deserved breakthrough arrived in the 59th minute. Sané whipped in a brilliant delivery from the right, and Osimhen rose above the Ajax defenders to plant a powerful header into the net. After a brief VAR check for a possible offside, the goal was confirmed, sending the away fans into wild celebration.
Penalty drama and Osimhen’s ruthless finishing
Just minutes after the opener, Galatasaray were awarded the first of two penalties when a VAR review found that Youri Baas had handled the ball inside the area. Osimhen stepped up confidently and sent goalkeeper Remko Pasveer the wrong way to double the lead.
Ajax’s night worsened in the 76th minute when another handball—this time by Gerald Alders—resulted in Galatasaray’s second penalty of the game. Osimhen again took responsibility, striking low toward the corner as Pasveer guessed correctly but couldn’t keep it out. The goal completed his hat-trick inside 20 minutes.
The frustration in the Ajax squad became evident, with Davy Klaassen and Anton Gaaei picking up yellow cards for reckless challenges. Manager Johnny Heitinga was also booked after contesting the second penalty decision.
Ajax’s late push falls flat
Heitinga attempted to spark a late comeback by bringing on Wout Weghorst, Rayane Bounida, and Steven Berghuis, but Galatasaray’s defensive line remained rock-solid.
Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina, and Wilfried Singo dominated the midfield battle, shutting down Ajax’s passing lanes and making it nearly impossible for the Dutch side to build meaningful attacks.
Even with increased possession in the final minutes, Ajax never truly looked like troubling Galatasaray’s goal as their rhythm remained broken and confidence shaken.
A night that belonged to Osimhen
Osimhen was substituted late in the match to thunderous applause from the Galatasaray supporters who had traveled to Amsterdam. He walked off clutching the match ball—an iconic symbol of his complete dominance.
The Nigerian striker’s hat-trick not only boosts Galatasaray’s Champions League campaign but also further cements his status as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.
It was a night of power, precision, and poise—one that Galatasaray fans will remember for a long time.