Juventus played to a 2-2 draw against Stade Rennais at Allianz Stadium in Turin on Thursday, October 22, 2026, dropping their first points in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. Nick Woltemade converted a second-half penalty kick after seizing the ball from teammate Randal Kolo Muani, rescuing a point for Luciano Spalletti’s side after Boulaye Dia and Mousa Al Tamari had put the French visitors ahead.
Why Did Nick Woltemade Take the Penalty From Randal Kolo Muani?
In the 67th minute, after the referee awarded Juventus a penalty kick for a handball by Brandon Reynolds, Kolo Muani prepared to take the kick. Woltemade approached his teammate, asked for the ball, and insisted on taking the shot himself. Kolo Muani agreed, and Woltemade converted past Brice Samba to level the score at 2-2. The forward was subsequently embraced by his teammates, including Kolo Muani.
The penalty incident punctuated a chaotic fixture in Turin. Zeki Çelik had given Juventus an early lead in the fifth minute by finishing past Samba following a pass from Woltemade. Rennes responded quickly when Al Tamari utilized a cross from Reynolds in the 15th minute, outdueling Federico Gatti. Just before halftime, a handball inside the Juventus box led to a penalty confirmed by VAR, which Boulaye Dia converted to put Rennes ahead 2-1.
How Did VAR Impact the Late Drama in Turin?
Juventus thought they had secured a victory in the 88th minute when Jhon Lucumí struck after a set-piece scramble deflected off Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal and into the net. However, a VAR review determined that Lucumí was in an offside position, leading referee Morten Krogh to disallow the goal and seal the 2-2 draw.
The result leaves Juventus with seven points from three matches in the league phase. Tirto.id noted that Juventus entered the match with a 100% win rate after defeating NEC Nijmegen 5-0 and Celta Vigo 2-1. Meanwhile, Rennes advanced to five points, maintaining an unbeaten start in European competition under coach Franck Haise, despite domestic defensive struggles that recently included a 3-4 defeat to Paris FC in Ligue 1.
Who Was Missing From the Juventus Matchday Squad?
HARIAN DISWAY reported that Luciano Spalletti managed a depleted roster due to persistent injuries. Francisco Conceicao joined the absentee list after sustaining a shoulder dislocation, alongside Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Jeff Ekhator, Kamil Grabara, and team captain Manuel Locatelli.
Rennes traveled to Italy without Esteban Lepaul due to an ankle injury, leaving Boulaye Dia to lead the attack alongside captain Valentin Rongier in midfield. Despite missing multiple starters, Juventus relied on their recent home form in Europe, where they had previously won four consecutive continental matches at Allianz Stadium.
What Are the Standings Implications After Matchday Three?
Tirto.id reported that the draw placed Juventus near the summit of the league phase table with seven points, while Rennes moved up to mid-table with five points.
Juventus’s European form contrasted with their domestic campaign in Serie A, where the club sat in eighth place following consecutive matches without a win, including a 3-0 defeat to Lazio. For Rennes, the point in Turin added to a European run that includes a scoreless draw against Sturm Graz and a 2-1 victory over OFI Crete.
