Nigeria's Osimhen caged as Galatasaray and Mourinho's Fenerbahce deliver barren affair

Victor Osimhen's Galatasaray failed to down Fenerbahce at home.

Nigeria's Osimhen caged as Galatasaray and Mourinho's Fenerbahce deliver barren affair

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 20:01 - 24.02.2025

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and his Galatasaray teammates were held to a goalless affair by Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in a disappointing derby in Turkey.

In a match that promised much but delivered little, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce played out a goalless draw in their highly anticipated Turkish Super Lig derby on Monday.

The encounter, which was expected to be a thrilling spectacle given the stakes and the rivalry between the two teams, ultimately failed to live up to expectations as neither side could find the back of the net.

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, who has been in impressive form for Galatasaray this season with 14 goals in 18 appearances, was unable to break the deadlock.

Despite his usual potency in front of goal, Osimhen was effectively neutralised by Fenerbahce's defence, which has been one of the best in the league, conceding just 22 goals in 23 matches.

Victor Osimhen was caged for 90 minutes at Rams Park.
Victor Osimhen was caged for 90 minutes at Rams Park.

Fenerbahce, managed by the experienced Jose Mourinho, came into the match with high hopes of narrowing the gap at the top of the table.

However, they too struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their potent attack, led by Youssef En-Nesyri and Edin Dzeko, unable to breach Galatasaray's defense.

Fenerbahce and Galatasaray ended in a barren draw.

The match was officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who had been brought in to ensure impartiality following recent controversies in Turkish football.

Despite the intense rivalry and high stakes, the game remained largely disciplined, with both teams focusing on maintaining their unbeaten streaks rather than risking everything for a win.

Nothing to celebrate for Mourinho and Fenerbahce. || Imago

Galatasaray remains at the top of the Turkish Super Lig with 64 points from 24 matches, while Fenerbahçe stays second with 58 points.

The draw means that Galatasaray's lead remains intact, but Fenerbahce will feel they missed an opportunity to apply more pressure in the title race.

Youssef En Nesyri was also caged for Fenerbahce || Imago

The result will be seen as a missed chance for both teams to assert their dominance, but it also highlights the defensive solidity of both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, who have been among the best in the league this season.

As the season enters its final stretch, both teams will look to regroup and push for maximum points in their remaining fixtures.