IDNN Sports Desk
Osimhen the Difference in Istanbul
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen etched his name into Galatasaray folklore with a coolly taken 16th-minute penalty that delivered a seismic 1–0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League. It was Galatasaray’s first home victory in the competition in seven years, and it came against one of Europe’s heavyweights.
Liverpool, despite dominating possession (67%) and launching 16 shots, failed to respond. To compound the Reds’ misery, goalkeeper Alisson Becker and striker Hugo Ekitike both left the pitch with injuries, leaving new coach Arne Slot under growing scrutiny.
“We played basketball, not football — all energy, no control,” lamented former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, calling on Slot to steady the ship.
Atletico’s Night of Glory: Griezmann Hits 200
While Osimhen was the Nigerian headline, Spain witnessed history. Antoine Griezmann scored his 200th goal for Atletico Madrid as Diego Simeone’s men crushed Eintracht Frankfurt 5–1. The Frenchman, who rejoined Atletico after a spell at Barcelona, sealed his legacy with a clinical finish in a dominant display.
The Wanda Metropolitano roared as Griezmann raised his arms to the crowd. For Simeone, it was a reminder that his long-serving talisman remains indispensable as Atleti seek another deep European run.
Mbappé Powers Real Madrid to Another Rout
In Madrid, Kylian Mbappé showcased why he remains the most feared forward in football. His hat-trick in a 5–0 demolition of Kairat lifted his Champions League tally to 60 goals. Alongside Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s frontline looked untouchable, reaffirming their status as the tournament’s most ruthless.
For Kairat, the scoreline underlined the gulf in quality between debutants and seasoned champions.
Marseille Crush Ajax in French Coast Rampage
French giants Marseille rediscovered their bite with a 4–0 destruction of Ajax at the Vélodrome. Igor Paixão struck twice inside 25 minutes, while Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added to the rout.
Ajax, once a byword for European pedigree, now languish in crisis with another defeat that deepens their decline. The Dutch club have conceded seven goals in two group matches.
Other Results Round Off Drama
Elsewhere on Matchday 2:
- Atalanta came from behind to beat Club Brugge 2–1, thanks to a late Mario Pašalić header.
- Chelsea edged Benfica 1–0 at Stamford Bridge to keep their campaign alive.
- Inter Milan dispatched Slavia Prague 3–0 with authority.
- Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham battled to a 2–2 draw in Norway.
- Bayern Munich flattened Pafos 5–1 in a statement performance.
Chaos, Crisis, and Confirmation
The night encapsulated Champions League football in its rawest form:
- Osimhen’s star rises — Nigerian influence felt on Europe’s biggest stage.
- Liverpool wobble — crisis talk intensifies around Arne Slot.
- Griezmann’s milestone — loyalty and brilliance from Atletico’s icon.
- Mbappé’s inevitability — Real Madrid continue to tower over opponents.
- Ajax unravel — another powerhouse in freefall.
