Juventus stun Celta with a stoppage-time winner

Juventus overturned Celta in a cruel finale on Thursday in the second round of the Europa League. After Hugo Álvarez had put Celta ahead, Woltemade levelled for the Italians before Kolo Muani snatched the win in stoppage time. It was Celta’s second straight defeat in the competition, despite a hard-fought match that remained finely balanced for long spells.

Celta took the lead in the 18th minute. Following a collective move, Willot set up Hugo Álvarez, who finished to put his side in front. The goal came as Juventus were beginning to take control of possession and apply more pressure. Woltemade had a chance to equalise in the 40th minute but could not convert it.

Juventus pressed Celta’s build-up after the break, while the hosts struggled to create danger. Jutglà still caused problems for the Italian defence, and Javi Rueda, combining with him, had two chances that went unfinished. In the 58th minute, Woltemade took advantage of Marcos Alonso’s poor control of a loose ball to bring the teams level.

Giráldez sent on Aspas and Burcio in the 75th minute as his team looked short of energy and attacking ideas. Aspas could not help Celta find a decisive goal. At the other end, Nico González came close, his shot passing near the post as Juventus stepped up the pressure and the crowd at Balaídos grew anxious. In the 92nd minute, Cambiaso delivered a cross and Kolo Muani headed home to put the Italians in front at the last moment.

Celta had competed well in an intense encounter, but the defeat was its second in a row in the Europa League. It also offered little encouragement ahead of the Liga, where the team has shown an uneven pattern so far, with stronger displays following its European highs. The match at Balaídos was played in front of 21,805 spectators. Swedberg and Moriba were booked for Celta, while Kelly and Lucumi received cautions for Juventus.