Victor Osimhen brace rescues Galatasaray in dramatic 2-2 draw with Çorum

Victor Osimhen scored twice to rescue Galatasaray from defeat as the Turkish champions began their 2026-27 Süper Lig title defence with a 2-2 draw against newly promoted Çorum FK at RAMS Park on Friday.

The Nigeria striker struck in the 53rd and 90th minutes, but his goals were only enough to earn Galatasaray a point after Çorum overturned the hosts’ lead in the second half.

Osimhen continues impressive scoring form

Osimhen started the new league campaign after scoring 15 Süper Lig goals last season and immediately continued his goalscoring form.

The forward had also scored twice against Antalyaspor in May and found the net against Fenerbahçe in April.

His latest two-goal performance provided Galatasaray with an important attacking threat, although it could not secure victory for the defending champions.

Galatasaray dominated possession and created pressure during the opening half, but they were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval.

Osimhen came close in the 15th minute when he attempted to score with a header.

The Nigerian also tested Çorum goalkeeper Marcos Felipe from distance as Galatasaray continued to search for an opening.

Osimhen gives champions the lead

The breakthrough eventually arrived after Lucas Torreira found Osimhen in space.

The Nigerian striker took advantage of the opportunity, lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to put Galatasaray in front.

The goal appeared to give the home side control of the contest, but Çorum responded quickly after the restart and turned the match on its head.

Çorum complete comeback

Çorum levelled in the 59th minute when Alexandros Kyziridis produced a long-range effort that beat the Galatasaray defence.

The visitors then completed their comeback only two minutes later.

Jesús Ramírez put Çorum ahead, leaving the Turkish champions facing the possibility of beginning their title defence with a home defeat.

The visitors’ task became more difficult in the 70th minute when Kyziridis was shown a red card.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk reacted by making changes, sending İlkay Gündoğan, Eren Elmalı and Kaan Ayhan onto the pitch as his side attempted to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

Despite the extra player, Galatasaray struggled to break through a determined Çorum defence.

Osimhen strikes again

With the champions running out of time, Osimhen once again provided the answer.

Gabriel Sara delivered a corner into the area in the 90th minute and Osimhen rose above the defence to direct his header into the bottom-left corner.

The goal restored parity and gave Galatasaray hope of completing a late turnaround.

Seven minutes of added time followed, with the hosts pushing forward in search of a winner. However, Çorum goalkeeper Marcos Felipe produced several important saves to preserve his side’s point.

Galatasaray face another promoted side

The draw means both clubs begin the season with one point, while Galatasaray will have to assess a performance in which they conceded twice at home.

The defending champions will have little time to dwell on the result as their attention turns to their next league fixture away to another newly promoted team, Erzurumspor.

For Osimhen, the opening night offered a clear positive despite Galatasaray’s failure to win.

His two goals ensured the champions avoided defeat and underlined his importance to their attacking ambitions.

After beginning the campaign with another brace, the Nigerian striker has once again demonstrated his ability to provide a decisive threat in front of goal.

But Galatasaray will know that Osimhen’s goals alone were not enough to secure victory against Çorum, leaving the champions with work to do after a dramatic opening to their title defence.