Juventus maintained their flawless record in the UEFA Europa League by staging a dramatic late comeback to defeat Celta Vigo 2-1 on Spanish soil at the Estadio Balaidos. Luciano Spalletti’s side showed immense resilience, recovering from an early setback to secure all three points through goals from Nick Woltemade and a stoppage-time winner by Randal Kolo Muani, ensuring the Bianconeri stayed at the summit of the league phase table.
Early Celta Pressure Rocks Depleted Juventus Lineup
Entering the fixture amidst a severe injury crisis that sidelined key players such as Kenan Yildiz, Jeremie Boga, Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Jeff Ekhator, Kamil Grabara, and Arek Milik, Juventus struggled to find early rhythm. Celta Vigo, looking to bounce back from their opening-phase defeat to Omonia Nicosia without Borja Iglesias, Pablo Duran, Jones El-Abdellaoui, Carl Starfelt, and Miguel Roman, capitalized on the visitors’ disjointed start.
After an early Williot Swedberg header was safely gathered by Guglielmo Vicario, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. Celta carved open the Bianconeri defense with a slick, fluid team move passing right to left, culminating in Swedberg unselfishly laying the ball off for Hugo Alvarez to tap in at the back post.
First-Half Tactical Battle
Juventus attempted to respond through Teun Koopmeiners, whose header was directed straight at the goalkeeper before a mishit effort from a Pierre Kalulu pull-back. Koopmeiners even inadvertently blocked a goal-bound strike from Kerim Alajbegovic as Spalletti’s men searched frantically for a foothold before the interval.
Woltemade Equalizer Sparks Bianconeri Resurgence
Luciano Spalletti’s team talk ignited a sharper attacking display after the restart. Nick Woltemade saw an immediate effort charged down at the near post, while Celta goalkeeper Radu was forced into action to push away a fierce strike from Francisco Conceicao. The pressure finally told in the 58th minute when Teun Koopmeiners delivered an inviting cross from the left. Marcos Alonso clumsily chested the ball down into the path of Woltemade, who swept it home clinically from 12 yards out to level the score.
Despite Celta threatening on the counter-attack—with Rueda hitting the side-netting and Pierre Kalulu making a vital defensive block against Jutgla—Juventus kept pushing forward. Nico Gonzalez went agonistically close moments later, twisting and turning inside the penalty area before bending a left-footed curling shot just inches wide of the target.
Kolo Muani Seals Dramatic Late Victory in Added Time
Just as the match appeared destined for a stalemate, Juventus struck the decisive blow in stoppage time. Andrea Cambiaso whipped a pinpoint cross in from the left flank, allowing Randal Kolo Muani to dart cleverly between defenders and nod past the goalkeeper from point-blank range in the 91st minute. The dramatic late winner preserved Juventus’s flawless record in the Europa League campaign, sending the travelling supporters into raptures and easing some pressure following their domestic draw against Cagliari.
| Match Fact | Celta Vigo | Juventus |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 1 (Hugo Alvarez 18′) | 2 (Woltemade 58′, Kolo Muani 91′) |
| Manager | Club Management | Luciano Spalletti |
| Competition Stage | UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase Matchday 2 | |
| Venue | Estadio Balaidos, Vigo, Spain | |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Celta Vigo and Juventus in the Europa League?
Juventus defeated Celta Vigo 2-1 away in Spain, courtesy of goals from Nick Woltemade and a stoppage-time winner by Randal Kolo Muani.
Who scored the goals for Juventus against Celta Vigo?
Nick Woltemade scored the equalizer in the 58th minute, while Randal Kolo Muani netted the dramatic late winner in the 91st minute.
How did Hugo Alvarez score for Celta Vigo?
Hugo Alvarez opened the scoring in the 18th minute by finishing off a well-worked team move following a low layoff from Williot Swedberg.
What does this result mean for Juventus in the Europa League standings?
The victory keeps Juventus at the top of the UEFA Europa League table with a perfect record after two matches.
Sources & Official References
This report was compiled and verified using primary coverage and official statements from the following sports news outlets:
