UEFA Europa League Roundup: Galatasaray and Lazio Secure Victories

Victor Osimhen continued his impressive form with Galatasaray as the Turkish club secured a 3-1 victory over PAOK FC of Greece during the first round of the revamped UEFA Europa League. The striker, involved in the first goal, nearly claimed his first official goal for Galatasaray. However, PAOK’s defender Abdul Rahman Baba inadvertently turned a header intended for goal into his own net, denying Osimhen the milestone.

After a dominant first half by Galatasaray, the second half saw the team maintain its momentum. Within three minutes, Osimhen’s header from a corner resulted in the own goal. Earlier, he narrowly missed an opportunity, sending his header over the crossbar just seconds into the match.

Despite conceding the first goal, PAOK’s Giannis Konstantelias equalized in the 67th minute after capitalizing on a failed clearance by Galatasaray’s keeper, Güvenç. Nonetheless, Galatasaray reclaimed the lead within nine minutes, scoring another goal to secure their advantage. Substitute players further extended the lead with an injury-time goal.

Elsewhere, Nigerian international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru played a crucial role in Lazio‘s commanding 3-0 victory against Dynamo Kyiv. The match was highlighted by a stunning finish from Matías Vecino and a close-range goal that thwarted all of Dynamo’s efforts to score.

In other matches, AZ Alkmaar narrowly bested Elfsborg 3-2, Bodoe/Glimt defeated FC Porto 3-2, and Anderlecht overcame Ferencvaros 2-1. The stage is set for a thrilling Europa League season with Galatasaray and Lazio’s impressive performances likely influencing their paths forward.

In the EFL Cup‘s third round action, Arsenal and Liverpool both claimed emphatic 5-1 victories over Bolton and West Ham, respectively. Over in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Enyimba edged past Lobi Stars 2-1, while Rangers secured a 1-0 win against Ikorodu.