Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has lauded Victor Osimhen after the striker inspired Galatasaray to a resounding 5-2 victory over Juventus in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie.
Although Osimhen did not score, his impact was decisive. The Nigerian forward provided two assists and proved a constant menace to the Juventus defence from start to finish. His pace stretched the back line, his intelligent movement created openings, and his physical presence pinned the Italian side deep for much of the encounter.
By the final whistle, Juventus were left with a mountain to climb ahead of the return leg.
Del Piero, who enjoyed the finest years of his career in Turin, was emphatic in his praise.
“The very existence of players like Victor Osimhen is frightening… He’s a cold-blooded, high-quality player. He never gives up,” he said, per Futbol.
The commanding display further cements Osimhen’s status as one of Europe’s most influential forwards on the continental stage.
Álvaro Arbeloa Makes History with Real Madrid
Meanwhile, in Portugal, Álvaro Arbeloa etched his name into the record books after guiding Real Madrid to a 1-0 win over Benfica in their Champions League Round of 16 playoff first leg.
A lone strike from Vinícius Júnior sealed a valuable away victory, giving Los Blancos a slender but important advantage heading into the second leg.
According to OptaJose, Madrid have now scored in all nine matches under Arbeloa across all competitions this season, netting 23 goals in the process. It represents the club’s best scoring start under a new manager since Manuel Pellegrini began the 2009–10 campaign with goals in his first ten matches in charge.
Real Madrid will now shift focus to domestic duties, with a LaLiga clash against Osasuna scheduled for the weekend.
