Europa League Thriller: Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray and Dynamo Kiev End 3-3 Draw
Match narrative and turning points
The Rams Park Stadyumu turned into a goal‑fest on 21 January 2025 when Galatasaray hosted Dynamo Kiev in the group stage of the Europa League. From the kickoff, the Turkish side pushed forward with intent, and it paid off early. Defender Davinson Sánchez slipped into the box and tucked away a low finish in the 6th minute, sparking wild celebrations from the 45,273 fans in attendance.
Just fifteen minutes later, another early blow hit Kiev. Abdülkerim Bardakçı, who had been drifting wide on the left, arrived late in the box and smashed a powerful header past the Ukrainian keeper, extending the lead to 2-0. The home crowd roared, convinced that the match was sliding into a comfortable win.
Dynamo Kiev, however, refused to fold. Ukrainian forward Vladyslav Vanat found a sliver of space on the right flank and curled a shot into the bottom corner in the 44th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1 just before the break. The goal shifted the momentum and gave the visitors a fighting chance.
The second half began with Galatasaray still in control. Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker who had been a constant threat, stepped up to convert a penalty in the 53rd minute after a handball in the box. The scoreline now read 3-1, and many expected the game to wind down.
Instead, Kiev exploded. Andriy Yarmolenko, a seasoned campaigner for the Ukrainian side, pounced on a loose ball in the 68th minute, firing a low drive that slipped under the on‑rushing Galatasaray defender. The goal breathed new life into the visitors, and the stadium felt the tension rise.
Just thirteen minutes later, Yarmolenko completed his brace. He darted into the penalty area from the left, received a precise pass, and slotted the ball past the Galatasaray goalkeeper to level the match at 3-3. The comeback left the Turkish fans in disbelief and the Ukrainian supporters erupting in jubilation.
Statistics, discipline and what the draw means
Statistically, the game was a tale of contrasting styles. Galatasaray held slightly less possession – 48.1% compared with Kiev’s 51.9% – but dominated the shooting department, launching 24 attempts, eight of which found the target. Kiev managed only six shots, three on goal, yet their efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
Discipline was another storyline. The match saw a total of nine yellow cards – four for Galatasaray and five for Kiev – illustrating how heated the encounter became as each side fought for supremacy. No player was dismissed, but the caution count highlighted the physical intensity that defined the game.
Beyond the on‑field drama, the result carries significant weight for both clubs. For Dynamo Kiev, the draw marks their first point after a series of defeats in the group, injecting much‑needed confidence into a campaign that started poorly. Their ability to claw back from a two‑goal deficit against a high‑profile opponent suggests resilience that could pay dividends in the remaining fixtures.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, left the stadium with a missed opportunity. A home win would have propelled them to the top of the group and strengthened their push for a knockout‑stage spot. Instead, they must now regroup and address defensive lapses that allowed Kiev to score twice late on.
The atmosphere at the Turk Telekom Arena was electric throughout, and the 45,273 spectators witnessed one of the most entertaining fixtures of the Europa League season so far. With the group stage still unfolding, both teams have plenty to regroup on – Galatasaray looking to tighten up at the back, and Kiev hoping to translate this hard‑earned point into further momentum.