UEL: Galatasaray Inflict First Europa League Defeat on Tottenham

Spurs Suffer Defeat in Istanbul

Osimhen's second goal came courtesy of Mertens' precise right-wing cross...

Galatasaray Inflict First Europa League Defeat on Tottenham.

Victor Osimhen's double sealed Galatasaray's victory over Tottenham, handing the Londoners their first Europa League defeat this season.

Tottenham's Will Lankshear scored his maiden senior goal but was later sent off (60') for two yellow cards, complicating Spurs' chances.

Despite the loss, Ange Postecoglou's side remains well-positioned to advance from the group stage with nine points from four games. However, Galatasaray now tops the table.

Tottenham dominated possession but squandered opportunities. Their struggles to play out from the back and defensive lapses led to a difficult night in Istanbul's notoriously intense atmosphere.

Galatasaray capitalized on Tottenham's mistakes, securing a deserved win.

Yunus Akgun stunned Tottenham with a spectacular left-foot volley from 20 yards in the sixth minute, setting the tone for a dominant display.

Tottenham briefly leveled through 19-year-old Lankshear, who converted Brennan Johnson's assist from close range. However, the team's repeated giveaways and concessions raised concerns about Ange Postecoglou's decision to bench six key players.

A Radu Dragusin error led to Osimhen's opener. The Napoli loanee quickly reacted to Dries Mertens' pass, poking the ball past Fraser Forster.

Osimhen's second goal came courtesy of Mertens' precise right-wing cross, which the unmarked Nigerian international expertly converted from eight yards.

Despite Dominic Solanke's late tap-in from Pedro Porro's pass, Tottenham were comprehensively outplayed. Lankshear's departure preceded Solanke's consolation goal.

Galatasaray's dominance merited a more resounding victory, but wayward finishing and Fraser Forster's exceptional saves limited the margin.

Tottenham's Will Lankshear, who signed a five-year extension in summer, capitalized on a rare opportunity, scoring his first senior goal.

Lankshear's strike came from his only touch in the penalty area, showcasing his positional awareness.

However, his night took a turn for the worse. After receiving a yellow card for an unnecessary challenge, Lankshear earned a second yellow for a reckless tackle on Gabriel Sara, stemming from frustration over losing possession.

Tottenham's overall display will likely draw criticism from Ange Postecoglou. The hosts' 28 shots often resulted from Spurs' mistakes, and despite improving after Lankshear's dismissal, defensive vulnerabilities persisted.