Victor Osimhen’s decisive header gives Galatasaray a crucial Istanbul derby win over Beşiktaş despite playing with ten men

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scored the decisive goal as Galatasaray S.K. secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over fierce rivals Beşiktaş J.K. in a heated Turkish Süper Lig derby on Saturday.

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The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Osimhen rose above the defence to head home a lofted pass from Leroy Sané, giving Galatasaray the advantage in the Round 25 encounter.

The strike underwent a brief video review before referee Ozan Ergün confirmed the goal, prompting jubilant celebrations among the visiting supporters.

Galatasaray controlled large portions of the first half through composed passing and sustained attacking pressure, with Sané and Osimhen combining effectively to stretch the Beşiktaş defence.

The contest shifted in the second half when Sané received a red card in the 62nd minute for a reckless tackle, leaving Galatasaray to defend their slender lead with ten men.

Despite the setback, the visitors displayed determined defensive resilience as Beşiktaş intensified their search for an equaliser.

Forward Hyeon-Gyu Oh came close early in the half but failed to convert a clear opportunity, while several late corners and attacking moves were repelled by Galatasaray’s disciplined backline.

Goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır delivered a commanding performance to preserve the advantage, producing key interventions as Beşiktaş mounted sustained pressure during nine minutes of added time.

The derby grew increasingly physical in the closing stages, with multiple players from both teams shown yellow cards as tensions flared in the fiercely contested clash.

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Galatasaray ultimately held firm to claim all three points, a vital and confidence-boosting victory that strengthens their position in the league standings as the race for the Turkish title intensifies.