![infobae](https://www.infobae.com/new-resizer/PMxHLoEOKwNHI7xkd5m56BHSLF8=/420x236/filters:format(webp):quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/26TMRKNTAFBDJHUTOOH4547WTU.png 420w)
Galatasaray netted a dramatic late winner courtesy of Fredrik Midtsjø to beat Molde 3-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-offs tie at Aker Stadion on Wednesday - making it 12 games undefeated in all competitions for the visitors.
Late substitute Midtsjø made an impact off the bench and put Galatasaray ahead three minutes into added time. The midfielder, sent on after 81 minutes, finished low into the centre of the goal after combining with Mauro Icardi.
The win for Okan Buruk's side also came thanks to goals from Sérgio Oliveira and Icardi, with Martin Ellingsen and Kristoffer Haugen on target for the hosts.
Ellingsen had got Molde off to the perfect start by breaking the deadlock after just eight minutes when he steered home a header following a corner. The defender finished low into the left corner after combining with midfielder Emil Breivik. But that lead did not last as Oliveira, who beat the goalkeeper with a deflected effort, hauled the sides level in the 25th minute.
Galatasaray then edged in front for the first time thanks to Icardi tucking away a volley to put his side 2-1 ahead four minutes later, attacking midfielder Yunus Akgün this time the provider. It was 2-2 after Erling Knudtzon set up Haugen to equalise after 56 minutes - finding the net with a volley. But there was another twist as Galatasaray secured victory after 93 minutes thanks to Midtsjø.
Wastefulness in front of goal impacted both sides in the game, Dries Mertens spurning a big chance for Galatasaray, Molde rueing a lack of composure from Ellingsen and Ola Brynhildsen.
Highlights
WHAT IT MEANS:
Molde head to face Galatasaray on 29 August for the return leg of their play-offs tie needing to overturn a deficit to remain in the Champions League.
IN THE GOALS:
With zero goal, Ellingsen, Oliveira, Icardi, Haugen, and Midtsjø rank joint first in the early scoring charts for the 2023/2024 Champions League season.
INJURY CONCERN:
No players were removed due to injury.
VAR IN ACTION:
Galatasaray led 2-1 when Galatasaray's Yunus Akgün had an effort ruled out in the 44th minute.