Goals from Victor Osimhen and Baris Yilmaz helped Galatasaray seal qualification for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League despite surrendering a three-goal aggregate lead in a dramatic cracker against 10-man Juventus on Wednesday.
Although Galatasaray fell 3–2 after extra time on the night, Osimhen’s crucial late goal ensured the Turkish champions progressed 7–5 on aggregate, setting up a last-16 showdown with either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.
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It marks Galatasaray’s first appearance at this stage of Europe’s elite competition since 2014, and they were fortunate to advance, even with Juventus playing most of the contest with 10 men.
Juventus had taken the lead through Manuel Locatelli’s 37th-minute penalty before the match swung on a controversial refereeing decision shortly after half-time.
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Lloyd Kelly was initially shown a second yellow card for landing with his studs on Yilmaz’s Achilles heel after challenging for an aerial ball.
However, following a VAR review at the pitchside monitor, referee Joao Pinheiro rescinded the second booking. Instead, he issued a straight red card for serious foul play, a decision that stunned the defender and sparked furious protests.
Kelly was visibly incensed, reportedly calling the decision “a disgrace”, while Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti looked on in disbelief from the touchline.
“It was pretty absurd. He gets the ball, and then what’s he supposed to do? Us defenders are penalised too often in today’s football,” said centre-back Federico Gatti.
“Leaving that aside, it was a brilliant reaction. It’s disappointing that we were just tired when we got to extra time.
“It’s disappointing because these are the best matches to play; the Champions League is the best competition.”
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