Monaco vs Galatasaray: Ex-Arsenal man sinks Osimhen's Cim-Bom

Galatasaray suffered another stumble in their Champions League first-phase ambition, as they were beaten 1–0 by French Ligue 1 side Monaco.

The Cim-Bom lost against Union Saint-Gilloise on the last match day, and Victor Osimhen's absence was fingered as the cause of the defeat. However, the Super Eagles star played the entire duration and struggled for impact against Monaco.

The match remained goalless and cagey through a cautious first half, with few clear openings. Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was called into action early, denying Monaco's efforts from a distance and keeping his side in the game. 

Spectators had to wait till the second-half for the breakthrough. Monaco applied pressure from a corner and built a move that ended with Folarin Balogun converting inside the box. 

After the goal, Galatasaray pressed for an equaliser with more urgency. They raised the tempo and tried to exploit spaces, but Monaco’s defence held firm. Galatasaray mustered a few half-chances but none with real conviction. 

Monaco held on, which took their rally for the season to nine points. However, they remain behind Cim-Bom on the log, who are also on nine points.