Victor Osimhen scored two first-half goals to fire Galatasaray to a 2-1 derby victory over Fenerbahce at RAMS Park in Istanbul.
The Nigerian striker netted in the 29th and 44th minutes to put the hosts in control. Irfan Can Kahveci pulled one back for the visitors with an acrobatic effort in the second half.
Galatasaray made a promising start to the match. Baris Alper Yilmaz forced Fenerbahce goalkeeper Ederson into a save from a tight angle in the 15th minute.
Fenerbahce came close to taking the lead in the 26th minute. Davinson Sanchez attempted a clearance from N’Golo Kante’s cross, but the ball struck the post.
The deadlock broke three minutes later. Osimhen exchanged passes with Baris Alper Yilmaz, drove into the penalty area, and fired a powerful shot into the top right corner.
Ederson prevented the Nigerian forward from doubling his tally in the 38th minute. The goalkeeper dived to push a low effort from a tight angle out for a corner.
Osimhen struck again just before the interval in the 44th minute. He headed home after redirecting Sanchez’s powerful first-time effort, which followed a long throw-in by Ismail Jakobs.
Galatasaray dominated the opening half. The hosts registered 11 shots, including six on target, while Fenerbahce failed to produce a single attempt before the break.
The hosts continued to threaten after halftime. Jakobs hit the crossbar with a header in the 55th minute following a cross from Roland Sallai.
Fenerbahce reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute. Irfan Can Kahveci controlled a pass from Oguz Aydin and scored with an acrobatic bicycle kick, despite goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir getting a hand to the ball.
The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages. Milan Skriniar saw his header cleared near the goal line in the 90th minute.
Galatasaray substitute Leroy Sane then forced Ederson into another save in stoppage time. The hosts held on to secure all three points.
The victory lifted Galatasaray back to the top of the Turkish Super Lig standings. The club has accumulated 22 points after nine matches, while Fenerbahce dropped to fifth place with 16 points.
