Victor Osimhen struck twice as Galatasaray handed Tottenham their first Europa League defeat of the season Thursday, securing a 3-2 victory that moved the Turkish league leaders to the top of the group despite teenage forward Will Lankshear’s first senior goal for Spurs.
The hosts dominated proceedings at the notoriously hostile Rams Park, with Yunus Akgun opening the scoring in the sixth minute through a spectacular 20-yard left-foot volley past Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
Lankshear, 19, briefly leveled for Spurs on his second start for the club, converting from close range after Brennan Johnson’s setup. However, the young forward’s evening turned sour when he received two yellow cards in quick succession, leading to his dismissal on the hour mark.
Osimhen, on loan from Napoli, capitalized on defensive errors to restore Galatasaray’s lead, pouncing on Radu Dragusin’s mistake to convert Dries Mertens’ pass. The Nigerian international doubled his tally with an unmarked finish from Mertens’ right-wing cross.
Substitute Dominic Solanke’s late tap-in from Pedro Porro’s assist gave the scoreline a deceptive look, as Galatasaray thoroughly dominated with 28 shots on goal. Only Forster’s heroics and wasteful finishing prevented a more emphatic victory for Okan Buruk’s side.
Despite the defeat, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham remain well-positioned to advance with nine points from four matches, though his decision to start six regular starters on the bench may face scrutiny after his team’s defensive struggles.
Lankshear, who signed a new five-year contract with Spurs this summer after arriving from Sheffield United in 2022, marked his milestone goal with his only touch in the Galatasaray penalty area. However, his evening unraveled after an initial booking for backing into a defender, followed by a rash challenge on former Norwich player Gabriel Sara that earned his dismissal.
The defeat exposed Tottenham’s persistent difficulties in playing out from the back, with many of Galatasaray’s chances stemming from the visitors’ errors, even as they showed improved resilience after being reduced to ten men.
