Mauro Icardi What a goal A master scorer

Galatasaray Secures 3-2 Victory Against Molde with Last-Minute Winner by Fredrik Midtsjo in UEFA Champions League Playoffs’ First Leg

In a gripping clash on Wednesday, Galatasaray emerged victorious with a 3-2 triumph over Molde in the initial leg of the UEFA Champions League playoffs. Fredrik Midtsjo proved to be the hero, netting a stoppage-time goal that secured the win.

The scoring action kicked off when Martin Ellingsen directed a powerful header into the net in the eighth minute at Molde Stadion, giving Molde the opening advantage.

Sergio Oliveira quickly leveled the playing field with a remarkable 25th-minute free-kick, bringing the score to an even 1-1.

Just four minutes later, Mauro Icardi demonstrated his prowess with a right-footed volley inside the penalty area. This goal was set up by Yunus Akgun’s exceptional long-range pass.

However, drama ensued in the 44th minute when Yunus Akgun managed to find the back of the net for Galatasaray, only for his goal to be disallowed following a VAR review that determined Dries Mertens had committed a foul against an opponent player.

The equilibrium was restored in the 56th minute when Molde’s defender Kristoffer Haugen executed a precise close-range finish, bringing the score to an even 2-2.

The defining moment came in the 93rd minute when Norwegian midfielder Midtsjo, who came off the bench in the 82nd minute, clinched victory for Galatasaray. Icardi skillfully evaded his defender and delivered a pass to Midtsjo, who calmly slotted the ball into an open goal.

The second-leg encounter is scheduled to take place at Galatasaray’s home turf, the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex, on August 29th.