Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen became only the second Galatasaray player to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League, as his heroics sank Ajax and handed the Dutch side their fourth consecutive European defeat at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
After a goalless first half, Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, heading home Leroy Sané’s precise cross. He then converted twice from the penalty spot to seal his hat-trick and propel himself to the top of this season’s Champions League scorers’ chart — one goal ahead of Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid).
With the feat, Osimhen also becomes Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in European club football, surpassing former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward Obafemi Martins, with a total of 25 goals on the continent.
Elsewhere, Derrick Luckassen scored the only goal as Cypriot champions Pafos stunned Villarreal, while Qarabag held Chelsea to a thrilling 2–2 draw.
In Portugal, Bayer Leverkusen edged Benfica 1–0, as Club Brugge battled Barcelona to an exciting 3–3 draw. At the San Siro, Inter Milan overcame Kairat 2–1, while Manchester City thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4–1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Newcastle United defeated Athletic Bilbao 2–0, and Atalanta secured a narrow 1–0 win over Marseille to round off an action-packed matchday.
