Victor Osimhen and Baris Yilmaz scored in extra time as Galatasaray held off a stirring fightback from 10-man Juventus to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. The Italians had threatened to become only the fourth club to progress after losing the first leg of a knockout tie in the competition by three or more goals when Weston McKennie headed in with eight minutes left to level the tie at 5-5 on aggregate.
Juventus’ captain, Manuel Locatelli, began the comeback after Lucas Torreira had fouled Khephren Thuram in the first half, despite the team being behind 5-2 from the first meeting in Istanbul. And after having Juan Cabal sent off in the first leg, another dismissal followed for the Italian side in the 49th minute. It was for English centre-back Lloyd Kelly this time, who controversially had his second yellow card changed to a straight red after catching Yilmaz in the back of the Achilles during a landing after an aerial altercation.
The decision was made after a video assistant referee (VAR) check and looked to have derailed the home side’s chances, but amazingly they responded superbly despite being down to 10 men. Federico Gatti tapped in Pierre Kalulu’s 70th-minute cross to provide renewed hope and the Allianz Stadium erupted in joy when American midfielder McKennie restored parity from close range.
However, the hosts were exhausted in extra time after Edon Zhegrova wasted a shot, and Osimhen scored a low attempt after Yilmaz had picked him out to give the visitors the lead again in a thrilling match. And with just a minute left, Yilmaz put the contest beyond doubt following another break and composed finish past home goalkeeper Mattia Perin.
A relieved Galatasaray will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham on their first last-16 appearance in Europe’s elite club competition since 2013-14.
