Author: Gist Correspondent

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored a dramatic extra-time winner to propel Galatasaray into the UEFA Champions League round of 16 for the first time in 16 years.

Although the Turkish champions lost 3–2 on the night to Juventus in Turin, their 7–5 aggregate victory secured passage to the knockout stage. Galatasaray saw a three-goal aggregate cushion wiped out as Juventus, despite being reduced to 10 men, fought back to level the tie before extra time.

Osimhen, largely isolated for much of the contest, made the decisive intervention in extra time, controlling a rare pass before calmly slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to register his 17th Champions League goal and break Juventus’ resistance. Baris Yilmaz added a second goal a minute before the end of extra time to seal the historic qualification.

Elsewhere, European heavyweights Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also advanced to the round of 16 after coming from behind in their respective ties.

Real Madrid overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Benfica 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, progressing 3–2 on aggregate. The match was overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior, who later delivered the winning goal ten minutes from time. Aurélien Tchouaméni had earlier cancelled out Rafa Silva’s opener.

In Paris, PSG edged AS Monaco 2–2 on the night to advance 5–4 on aggregate, with Monaco playing much of the encounter a man down.

Italian side Atalanta also booked a last-16 spot after a stunning 4–1 home victory over Borussia Dortmund, overturning a 2–0 first-leg deficit. A late penalty converted by Lazar Samardzic sealed Dortmund’s exit.

Results:

Real Madrid 2–1 Benfica (Real Madrid win 3–2 on aggregate)

Atalanta 4–1 Borussia Dortmund (Atalanta win 4–3 on aggregate)

Paris Saint-Germain 2–2 AS Monaco (PSG win 5–4 on aggregate)

Juventus 3–2 Galatasaray (Galatasaray win 7–5 on aggregate)