1. Home
  2. Blog

October 23, 2026

Juventus Fight Back to Draw 2–2 Against Rennes in Europa League Thriller

Juventus Fight Back to Draw 2–2 Against Rennes in Europa League Thriller

Juventus fought back from a first-half deficit to secure a 2–2 draw against Rennes in the latest Europa League clash. Nick Woltemade converted a second-half penalty to earn the Italian side a point, while a late goal from Jhon Lucumi was ruled out for offside, denying the hosts a dramatic victory.

Talking about the match, Juventus made a bright start and took the lead in the fifth minute through Zeki Celik. The defender received an excellent pass from Woltemade before finishing confidently to put the hosts ahead. The early goal gave Juventus momentum as they looked to extend their winning run in the competition.

However, Rennes responded strongly and restored parity in the 15th minute. Mousa Al-Tamari finished from close range after Bryan Reynolds delivered the ball into a dangerous area. The equalizer encouraged the French visitors, who continued to challenge Juventus and create opportunities in the attacking third.

Juventus had chances to regain the advantage, with Weston McKennie coming particularly close. Brice Samba made an important save to deny the American midfielder before McKennie's follow-up effort struck the post. Rennes also threatened at the other end, forcing Juventus goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario into several important interventions.

The visitors then turned the match around just before half-time. They were awarded a penalty following a handball in the Juventus penalty area, and Boulaye Dia stepped up to convert from the spot in the 43rd minute. His finish gave Rennes a 2–1 lead and left Juventus needing a response after the break.

Juventus increased their attacking pressure in the second half as they searched for an equalizer. Manager Luciano Spalletti made changes to strengthen the team's attacking approach, and the hosts gradually began to create more opportunities around the Rennes penalty area.

Their efforts paid off in the 67th minute when Woltemade converted a penalty to make it 2–2. The German forward calmly sent Samba the wrong way, bringing Juventus back into the contest and giving the home supporters renewed hope of a comeback victory.

Juventus continued pushing for a winner during the closing stages, as Woltemade remained a threat in front of goal. In the 88th minute, Lucumi appeared to have completed the comeback when he found the net from close range after a free-kick delivery. However, the celebrations were short-lived as the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.

As a result, Rennes survived the late scare and held on to claim a point from a closely contested encounter. With this draw, Juventus have now slipped to the seventh position, whereas Benfica is leading the Europa League points table with three wins in three matches.