Juventus secured a dramatic away comeback against Celta Vigo in the Europa League, winning 2-1 with Nick Woltemade levelling the score before Randal Kolo Muani netted the winner in stoppage time. This result kept the Bianconeri’s flawless record in the tournament intact.
Juventus had opened their European campaign with an emphatic 5-0 win over NEC, though their Serie A performances had been less impressive, including a 1-1 stalemate with Cagliari. The club was also contending with a lengthy injury list featuring Kenan Yildiz, Jeremie Boga, Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Jeff Ekhator, Kamil Grabara, and Arek Milik. Celta Vigo, in contrast, was aiming to bounce back from a defeat to Omonia Nicosia in their first match and was missing Borja Iglesias, Pablo Duran, Jones El-Abdellaoui, Carl Starfelt, and Miguel Roman.
Celta Vigo vs Juventus: Swedberg and Alvarez break the deadlock
The sides had last faced each other in the UEFA Cup Round of 16 back in March 2000, when Celta Vigo pulled off a famous 4-0 home win to overturn a 1-0 first-leg loss. That match also featured Antonio Conte and Paolo Montero being dismissed in the first half.
In this encounter, Willot Swedberg posed an early danger with a header that went straight to Guglielmo Vicario. Celta took the lead shortly after through a slick team move, as Swedberg teed up Hugo Alvarez to slot in from close range at the back post.
Juventus found it difficult to capitalise on their chances before the interval. Teun Koopmeiners headed right at the keeper and miscontrolled a Pierre Kalulu cut-back from 10 yards. The Dutch midfielder also accidentally deflected a Kerim Alajbegovic shot, while Nick Woltemade blasted over after letting a long ball bounce in the box.
The Bianconeri kept pressing after the restart. Woltemade had an effort blocked at the near post before Radu made a save to push Francisco Conceicao’s shot over the bar. The Portuguese winger then fired another attempt straight at the goalkeeper from the ensuing corner.
Juventus comeback: Woltemade levels before Kolo Muani seals it
Juventus finally equalised via Woltemade. A left-sided cross from Koopmeiners was badly dealt with by Marcos Alonso, giving the German forward the chance to sweep the ball home from 12 yards.
Celta remained a threat on the break, with Rueda hitting the side netting after a pinpoint pass from Jutgla. Pierre Kalulu then recovered in time to block another effort from the Celta attacker.
Juventus also had opportunities to go ahead before the final stages. Pape Malang Sarr could not make the most of another poor clearance from Marcos Alonso, while Nico Gonzalez went close after dribbling past defenders in the box and curling a left-footed strike just wide.
The crucial moment came in stoppage time. Andrea Cambiaso sent in a cross from the left, and Randal Kolo Muani got between the defenders to head in from close range at the far post. This late strike completed Juventus’ comeback, sealing a 2-1 win in Spain and maintaining their unbeaten start to the Europa League.