AFCON 2025
Galatasaray and Athletic Bilbao both secured impressive 3–1 wins in their UEFA Champions League group-stage fixtures on Wednesday night.
Victor Osimhen’s double fired the Turkish champions past Bodø/Glimt in Istanbul, while Athletic came from behind to defeat Qarabağ in front of a lively San Mamés crowd.
Galatasaray 3–1 Bodø/Glimt
Victor Osimhen inspired Galatasaray to a commanding 3–1 victory over Bodø/Glimt in Istanbul, keeping the Turkish champions unbeaten in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The hosts got off to a flying start when Osimhen capitalised on an early defensive mistake to fire home inside three minutes. The Nigerian striker doubled his tally just after the half-hour mark, pouncing on a poor back pass from Fredrik Bjørkan and coolly rounding the goalkeeper to slot into an empty net.
Galatasaray continued to dominate after the break, and Osimhen turned provider in the 61st minute, setting up Yunus Akgün, who scored at the second attempt to make it 3–0.
Bodø pulled one back through Andreas Helmersen’s header in the 76th minute, but it proved a mere consolation as Galatasaray controlled the closing stages with composure.
The win moves Galatasaray to six points from three matches, while Bodø remain on two and still searching for their first group-stage victory.
Athletic Bilbao 3–1 Qarabağ
Athletic Bilbao produced a spirited comeback to defeat Qarabağ 3–1 at San Mamés, claiming their first points of the Champions League campaign.
The visitors shocked the Basque crowd after just 50 seconds when Leandro Andrade capitalised on a mix-up in the Athletic defence to slot past Unai Simón. Bilbao, however, regrouped and found their rhythm midway through the first half. Gorka Guruzeta levelled in the 38th minute with a precise finish after being played through by Mikel Jauregizar.
Substitute Robert Navarro gave the hosts the lead in the 70th minute with a stunning curling strike from outside the box, before Guruzeta sealed the victory late on with a fine volley in the 88th minute.
The result lifts Athletic to three points in Group F, breathing life into their European campaign. Qarabağ, who had won their opening two matches, stay on six points but were second-best for much of the contest after their early lead evaporated.
