Victor Osimhen returns as Galatasaray play 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce, keeping top spot in the Turkish Super Lig
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen made his return for league leaders Galatasaray as they played a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce at Ulker Stadyumu on Monday, November 30, 2025.
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The result allowed Galatasaray to retain top spot in the Turkish Super Lig title race.
Leroy Sane put Galatasaray ahead in the 27th minute, but Jhon Duran’s dramatic 95th-minute strike for Fenerbahce cancelled the lead, leaving the points gap between the rivals unchanged.
The draw saw Galatasaray maintain first place with 33 points from 14 matches, while Fenerbahce sits second on 32 points.
The hosts extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches across all competitions but failed to seize the chance to overtake their archrivals.
The match began amid pre-game tensions as players from both sides clashed during warmups, requiring security intervention.
Fenerbahce dominated possession with 56.2 percent and attempted 17 shots to Galatasaray’s six, but struggled to convert territorial control into clear scoring opportunities. Both goalkeepers made one save each.
Discipline featured prominently, with Galatasaray receiving four yellow cards and Fenerbahce three.
Osimhen was booked in the 71st minute, while goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir received a caution in the 78th minute.
Fenerbahce’s goalkeeper Ederson was also shown yellow in the 66th minute.
Managerial decisions proved pivotal. Fenerbahce introduced Duran and Talisca in the 63rd minute, a substitution that ultimately produced the equaliser.
Galatasaray’s Okan Buruk responded with Mauro Icardi in the 89th minute, shortly before Duran’s goal.
Yunus Akgun and Berkan Kutlu entered in stoppage time but could not alter the outcome.
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Duran’s late strike sparked jubilant celebrations among Fenerbahce supporters and ensured the team avoided their first league defeat of the season, highlighting the intensity of one of Turkish football’s most anticipated fixtures.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
