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According to a report by Flashscore on Tuesday November 3, 2026, Galatasaray produced an impressive first-half display against Stuttgart in their Champions League clash, taking a comfortable 2-0 lead into the break.
Alexey Batrakov scored twice in the 12th and 15th minutes to put the Turkish side in control. Galatasaray also created several promising opportunities and dominated possession, with Victor Osimhen, Davinson Sanchez and Yunus Akgun playing important roles in their attacking performance.
1. Alexey Batrakov
Alexey Batrakov was Galatasaray's standout performer in the opening half after scoring both goals. The forward opened the scoring in the 12th minute when the ball fell kindly to him inside the penalty area. He reacted quickly and fired the rebound into the top-right corner to give his side the advantage. Three minutes later, he doubled Galatasaray's lead with another excellent finish. Davinson Sanchez played a precise through ball into his path, allowing Batrakov to get ahead of the goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner. His quick reactions and clinical finishing gave Galatasaray a commanding position.
2. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen played an important role in Galatasaray's attacking efforts despite failing to find the net. The Nigerian striker constantly occupied Stuttgart's defenders and provided an attacking presence in the final third. In the 33rd minute, he connected with Yunus Akgun's corner but sent his close-range header wide of the left post. He also attempted a long-range volley in the 24th minute, although his effort went into the stands. Osimhen was flagged offside earlier in the half, but his movement and presence continued to offer Galatasaray an attacking option.
3. Davinson Sanchez
Davinson Sanchez was influential at both ends of the pitch. The defender delivered an excellent through ball in the 15th minute to set up Batrakov's second goal. His precise pass created the opportunity for the forward to get ahead of the goalkeeper and finish confidently. Sanchez also contributed defensively as Galatasaray worked to keep Stuttgart away from dangerous positions.
4. Yunus Akgun
Yunus Akgun provided creativity from the wide areas and contributed to Galatasaray's attacking pressure. He delivered a fine lofted pass towards Baris Yilmaz in the 11th minute, although his teammate could not create enough space to shoot. He also took several corners, including the delivery that found Osimhen for a headed opportunity in the 33rd minute. His set-piece quality and distribution helped Galatasaray maintain their attacking threat.