Juventus’ struggles are no longer confined to Serie A. The Old Lady dropped their first points in the Europa League on Thursday, surrendering an early lead before fighting back to draw 2-2 with Rennes. The hosts struck first, but Rennes turned the game around before half-time. Nick Woltemade then came to Juve’s rescue with another European goal, capping what was arguably his best performance since joining the club. The German even looked capable of completing the comeback, but a late VAR intervention denied Juventus a dramatic winner.
Woltemade’s European form is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Nick Woltemade with a lovely assist to set up Zeki Celik for Juventus opener. After scoring his first goal for the Bianconeri against NEC Nijmegen and finding the net again in their comeback against Celta Vigo last week, he struck once more to move level at the top of the Europa League scoring charts.
His domestic record, however, remains blank. Woltemade has yet to start a Serie A match, despite starting all three European fixtures. Given the club’s struggles in front of goal in the league, Luciano Spalletti may have to reconsider his limited role.
Juventus made a flying start when Zeki Celik raced down the right and drilled a low shot into the far corner in the fifth minute. But their advantage lasted only 10 minutes. Musa Tamari levelled after Bryan Reynolds nodded the ball into his path inside the six-yard box.
Juve boss and defender clash: “I can’t carry everyone in my arms!” vs “You were involved, too!”Federico Gatti came close to restoring Juventus’ lead with a far-post header, but Brice Samba produced an outstanding save. Rennes made the hosts pay just before half-time, when Douglas Luiz blocked Mahamadou Nagida’s long-range effort with his hand. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, and Boulaye Dia converted to put the visitors ahead.
Read Also: Manchester drowned in the Como lake
Woltemade dragged Juventus back into the contest midway through the second half, taking responsibility from the spot after Reynolds conceded a penalty at the other end. Four minutes later, the German nearly turned the game on its head, but Charlie Cresswell blocked his close-range effort from seven metres.
Juventus thought they had completed the turnaround late on when Jhon Lucumi reacted quickest in a crowded penalty area after a corner and beat Samba with a turn and finish. The celebrations at the Allianz Stadium were short-lived, however, as VAR intervened to rule out the goal.