Osimhen scores twice, but Galatasaray draws with Çorum

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen made a solid start to the new Süper Lig season. He scored two goals as defending champions Galatasaray drew 2-2 with newly promoted Çorum at RAMS Park.

Galatasaray kicked off the 2026/27 season as strong favorites. They won the Turkish title last season and had a much stronger squad compared to their newly promoted rivals.

The home team controlled the early game, especially in midfield. Osimhen quickly got into the box, waiting for chances to shine.

Abdülkerim Bardakcı had the first clear chance when he met a corner, but his header went off target.

Osimhen almost scored in the 15th minute. He jumped above his marker to meet a cross with a powerful header, but it went just wide.

The Nigerian forward was a constant threat in the first half, always asking for the ball even though he got little service.

In the 25th minute, he took a shot from the edge of the box, but Çorum's goalkeeper Marcos Felipe handled it easily.

Neither team could score before halftime, setting up an exciting second half.

Osimhen scores first

Galatasaray came back from the break looking to attack more and got their reward in the 53rd minute.

Osimhen broke the deadlock after Lucas Torreira set him up. With goalkeeper Marcos Felipe coming out, Osimhen calmly chipped the ball over him and into the net, giving Galatasaray a 1-0 lead.

But the champions' lead lasted only six minutes. Çorum equalized when Alexandros Kyziridis scored with a long shot that went in.

The visitors took the lead just two minutes later. Jesús Ramírez took advantage of a mistake from Davinson Sánchez to make it 2-1 for Çorum.

Galatasaray got a boost in the 70th minute when Kyziridis was sent off for a reckless tackle on Yunus Akgün.

With the home side eager to get back in the game, Okan Buruk called on his bench, bringing in İlkay Gündoğan, Eren Elmalı, and Kaan Ayhan to energize the attack.

Osimhen scores for Galatasaray (CREDIT: Galatasaray SK on X)

Osimhen saves the day

The pressure paid off in the 90th minute. Gabriel Sara sent a dangerous corner into the box, and Osimhen jumped high to power a header into the bottom-left corner. This completed his brace and tied the game at 2-2.

Galatasaray had seven minutes of added time to find a winner, but Çorum held strong.

Goalkeeper Marcos Felipe stood out, making several key saves to frustrate the champions and help his team earn a valuable point.

The final whistle confirmed a thrilling 2-2 draw at RAMS Park. Galatasaray now has much to think about after a disappointing start to their title defense, despite Osimhen's efforts.

Early warning for Galatasaray

This result is a big setback for Galatasaray, especially with Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor also in the title race this season.

The champions looked shaky defensively throughout the match. They could have conceded more than two goals if Çorum had been more clinical.

While Osimhen's two goals saved a point, Galatasaray must improve if they want to keep their Süper Lig title.

Their next game is against another newly promoted team, Erzurumspor. Galatasaray is expected to win that match, but their struggles against Çorum show that keeping the title will be a challenge.