Galatasaray secures lead over Fenerbahce as Osimhen stars before crucial derby
Players of Galatasaray celebrate after defeating Rizespor 2-1 after the Turkish Super League week 24 football match between Caykur Rizespor and Galatasaray in Rize, Türkiye, on Feb. 17, 2025. (AA Photo)
Galatasaray defeated Caykur Rizespor 2-1 in the 24th week of the Turkish Super League on Monday night, thanks to two goals from Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, maintaining their six-point lead over Fenerbahce before the season-defining derby in the next week.
The yellow-red team struggled to start the match at Caykur Didi Stadium in Rize and failed to create scoring opportunities in the first half. Rizespor also couldn’t capitalize on their dangerous attacks, leading to a goalless draw at halftime.
Galatasaray made their first shot on target in the 47th minute, when Victor Osimhen found the back of the net. However, their lead lasted only seven minutes, as Caykur Rizespor’s Ali Sowe scored to level the game at 1-1.
When the visitors struggled to perform effectively, Osimhen stepped up again in the 86th minute with another header, securing a 2-1 victory for Galatasaray.
Galatasaray hits 24th match in unbeaten run
This win marked Galatasaray’s 20th victory in their 23rd league match, and with three draws so far, the yellow-reds increased their points tally to 63 and extended their unbeaten streak.
The Lions also restored the gap with closest rival Fenerbahce to six points after the latter had temporarily closed it to three with a win over Kasimpasa the previous day. Meanwhile, Galatasaray extended their unbeaten run in the Super League to 24 matches, with 21 wins and three draws during this period.
The Lions’ last defeat came in the 37th week of last season, 2023-2024, when they lost 1-0 to Fenerbahce at home.
They will now host Fenerbahce at home on Monday, Feb. 24.
Osimhen stars by reaching 14 league goals
Galatasaray’s Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has now scored 14 goals in the Super League.
The star striker has netted 14 goals in 18 league appearances this season. He has also scored five goals in six UEFA Europa League matches, bringing his total to 19 goals across all competitions.
Before the Rizespor match, Osimhen’s last four goals had all come from penalties. His latest performance saw him score from open play for the first time in six league matches.
