Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen produced a sensational performance in Amsterdam on Wednesday night, netting a hat-trick to power Galatasaray to a commanding 3-0 victory over Ajax in the UEFA Champions League.

The Super Eagles forward was unstoppable, scoring all three goals to silence the home crowd and move the Turkish champions a step closer to qualification.

After a goalless first half, Osimhen opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a towering header from Leroy Sané’s pinpoint cross. He doubled the lead seven minutes later from the penalty spot after Youri Baas handled the ball inside the area. His third came in the 78th minute, another confident penalty following a handball by Gerald Alders, sealing his first-ever Champions League hat-trick for Galatasaray.

In Belgium, Barcelona escaped with a 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in a thrilling encounter. Teen sensation Lamine Yamal starred for Hansi Flick’s side, scoring once and creating several chances, while Brugge’s Carlos Forbs dazzled with two goals and an assist in a pulsating end-to-end contest.

At St. James’ Park, Newcastle United extended their fine European form with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. Dan Burn opened the scoring with a towering header before Joelinton added a second after the break, securing Eddie Howe’s side their third consecutive Champions League victory.

Meanwhile, Chelsea were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Qarabag in Azerbaijan. Estevao Willian gave the Blues an early lead, but the hosts fought back before Alejandro Garnacho struck late to rescue a point for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Elsewhere in Europe:

• Manchester City swept aside Borussia Dortmund 4-1.
• Bayer Leverkusen edged Benfica 1-0.
• Inter Milan defeated Kairat 2-1.
• Atalanta battled to a 1-0 win over Marseille.