Kolo Muani Scores at the Last Minute as Juventus Defeats Celta Vigo

Woltemade and Kolo Muani silenced their critics and led Juventus to a victory over Celta Vigo in their second-round match of the Europa League group stage. The Bianconeri, who fell behind in the first half on a goal by Alvarez, staged a comeback in the second half and won 2-1, bringing their total to 6 points and tying for first place with ten other teams.

Juventus struggled in the first half: Spalletti tried to catch his opponents off guard by starting Woltemade from the 1st minute, but the Bianconeri created very little. The Galicians were more incisive, and after Jugtla’s shot in the 5th minute was saved by Vicario, they took the lead in the 18th minute through Alvarez, assisted by Swedberg. Spalletti’s team failed to respond, aside from a wasted attempt by Koopmeiners. Toward the end of the half, Woltemade finally makes his presence felt, but his shot sails high over the crossbar.

Juve comes out stronger at the start of the second half; the Old Lady attacks with conviction and creates a chance through Conceiçao. In the 59th minute, a defensive error by the home team led to the equalizer: Alonso unintentionally played the ball to Woltemade, who didn’t let the opportunity slip away and found the back of the net with a right-footed shot into the corner.

Spalletti shook up the attack after the equalizer, bringing on Nico Gonzalez and Kolo Muani for Alajbegovic and Conceiçao (who was furious at the time of the substitution). Two massive chances by Rueda sent shivers down Vicario’s spine. Spalletti shored up the defense by bringing on Bremer and Lucumi for Gatti and Kelly. In the 92nd minute, the winning goal arrives: the newly substituted Kolo Muani is in the right place at the right time to meet Cambiaso’s cross and scores the 2-1 winner, a goal that feels like a relief for Spalletti’s team.