Six Goals in a Pulsating Thriller

Galatasaray claimed their first Champions League win of the season in dramatic fashion. Visiting Stade Pierre-Mauroy early on Thursday (22/10/2026) WIB, Okan Buruk's side beat Lille 4-2 on Champions League 2026/2027 league-phase matchday 3 in a six-goal thriller.

The game was just two minutes old when Yunus Akgün put Galatasaray ahead. Lille responded quickly through Soriba Diaoune, who levelled in the 7th minute from Alexsandro's pass. The Lille striker struck again in the 39th minute to turn the game around and give the hosts a 2-1 lead.

But Lille's lead vanished before half-time. Aleksey Batrakov headed home Roland Sallai's cross in the 44th minute to make it 2-2. Seven minutes after the restart, disaster struck the hosts: goalkeeper Berke Özer failed to deal with a corner situation and the ball went into his own net. Victor Osimhen sealed the 4-2 win with a powerful strike in the 61st minute from Barış Alper Yılmaz's assist.

Galatasaray Comeback to Beat Lille 4-2, Osimhen Nets vs Former Club
Victor Osimhen celebrating a goal for Galatasaray (illustration photo, not from the match against Lille on 21/22 October 2026). (Photo: Transfermarkt) (Source: Transfermarkt)

Osimhen Haunts His Former Club

Osimhen's goal carried extra meaning as Lille are his former club. The Nigeria striker muted his celebration out of respect for the home crowd. Earlier, Osimhen had nearly scored sooner, but his penalty award in the 27th minute was overturned after the referee's VAR review found no foul.

Although Lille dominated with 56% possession and 15 shots, Galatasaray's ruthless efficiency proved decisive. All four of the visitors' shots on target ended up in the net — a deadly display of finishing.

Soriba Diaoune was the hosts' best player with his brace, each goal the product of fine link-up play with Alexsandro and Hákon Arnar Haraldsson. Unfortunately, the striker's double was not enough to save Lille from defeat.

First Win for Gala, Lille Sink Deeper

The victory ended Galatasaray's run of five consecutive away defeats in the Champions League and earned them their first three points of the season. Lille, in contrast, suffered a third straight home defeat in UEFA competition and remain pointless — a disappointing start for Bruno Génésio's side.

Galatasaray can now push up the league-phase standings, while Lille must regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive. Both teams still have five matches left to decide their fate in Europe's elite competition this season.