Juventus Claims a 2-2 Draw Against Rennes in Europa League Action
Juventus secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw against French side Rennes during the third matchday of the Europa League league phase, moving closer to direct qualification for the round of 16 while struggling with poor domestic form. The match at the Allianz Stadium featured a fast-paced, high-scoring first half followed by a tense second period where goals from both sides set the final scoreline. The result leaves Juventus eight points behind the leaders in Serie A following a recent defeat to Lazio.
Early Goals Set a Fast Pace at the Allianz Stadium
The hosts opened the scoring early when Celik found the net in the 5th minute after a buildup involving Weston McKennie and Nick Woltemade. Rennes responded quickly, as Al-Taamari equalized in the 15th minute. Before the interval, the visitors capitalized further when Dia converted a penalty in the 43rd minute following a foul, sending Rennes into halftime with a 2-1 lead amid whistles from the home supporters.
Woltemade Converts from the Spot to Level the Score
Juventus leveled the match in the second half when Nick Woltemade converted a 67th-minute penalty kick. The penalty was awarded after Nico González—who entered as a substitute for Federico Gatti—headed a Douglas Luiz free-kick onto the arm of a Rennes defender inside the area. Woltemade’s successful conversion marked his third goal in the Europa League in his first three European appearances with the club.
Late Drama and Disallowed Goal in Turin
In the closing stages of the match, Juventus pushed for a winner and thought they had secured it in the 88th minute when Jhon Lucumí put the ball in the net. However, the referee disallowed the goal following a VAR review for offside, leaving the final score locked at 2-2. The draw keeps Rennes unbeaten in the competition after a win and a draw, while Juventus continues its European campaign with two prior victories.