Some of the games of the second qualifying rounds in the UEFA Champions League were played today, and in what could turn out to be one among the shock results of the night Lithuanian side Zalgiris scored a late goal to draw 2-2 against Turkish giants Galatasaray.
It started with 24 year old Nigerian striker Mathias Oyewusi opening scoring with a strong solo effort to take his goals for the year 2023 to 16 in 23 games. He finished last season with 14 goals in 18 league games.
His effort was upstaged in the second half within a space of three minutes with Abdulkerim Bardakci and Halil Dervisoglu scoring in the 75th and 78th minute respectively to put Galatasaray 2-1 up.
Galatasaray were heading for a comeback win but Donatas Kazlauskas scored inside the first minute of time added on after regulation time to deny them a win ahead of the return leg in Turkey.
The winner of the tie in Turkey will progress to the third and final round of qualifiers for the prestigious and money spinning group stage of Europe’s elite club tournament the UEFA Champions League.
Osas Mahawi
