Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was unable to make a decisive impact as Manchester City produced a composed first half display to defeat Galatasaray and secure a place in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League league phase.
City entered the game under pressure after their shock defeat to Bodo Glimt in the previous round had left their automatic qualification hopes hanging in the balance. Pep Guardiola’s side responded with authority at the Etihad Stadium, sealing the contest before halftime and later benefitting from Benfica’s dramatic victory over Real Madrid, which confirmed City’s eighth place finish and automatic qualification for the knockout stage.
The hosts took control early and opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Jeremy Doku split the Galatasaray defence with a perfectly weighted pass that sent Erling Haaland through on goal, and the Norwegian forward calmly chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
City doubled their advantage in the 29th minute, again through Doku’s creativity. The winger slipped a neat pass into the path of Rayan Cherki, who finished from close range to give the home side a comfortable cushion before the break.
Galatasaray showed more intent after the restart and created their best moments of the game through Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into two saves, first with a flicked header and later with a low drive, but City’s goalkeeper stood firm to preserve the clean sheet.
Despite enjoying more possession in the second half, the visitors could not find a way past City’s organised defence. The hosts also went in search of a third goal, but it proved unnecessary as they managed the game calmly to see out the win, finishing the league phase with their fifth victory of the campaign.
Victor Osimhen played the full 90 minutes for Galatasaray and registered three shots on target, completed five of his eleven passes, recorded 23 touches, was caught offside three times and won four of six aerial duels, but he was ultimately kept quiet by a disciplined City backline.
The result means Manchester City move directly into the Champions League knockout round, while Galatasaray progress to the play off stage where they will continue their European campaign.
