Juventus Held by Rennes as Woltemade Rescue Earns 2-2 Europa League Draw

Juventus were forced to settle for a point after Stade Rennais held them to a 2-2 draw in an entertaining UEFA Europa League encounter at the Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.

The Bianconeri made a bright start and took the lead inside the opening five minutes, but Rennes responded quickly before turning the game around shortly before half-time. Juventus eventually found a way back into the contest through Nick Woltemade’s second-half penalty, although a late winner was ruled out by VAR.

The result ended Juventus’ perfect start to the Europa League league phase, although they remain unbeaten after three matches. They had previously defeated NEC Nijmegen and Celta Vigo.

Juventus strike early

Juventus wasted little time putting Rennes under pressure and found the breakthrough in the fifth minute.

Nick Woltemade played an excellent pass into the path of Zeki Çelik, who had made a well-timed run into the penalty area. The Turkish defender controlled the ball before calmly finishing across goal to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.

The early goal appeared to put Juventus in control, but Rennes responded almost immediately.

In the 15th minute, Bryan Reynolds supplied the ball into a dangerous area, allowing Mousa Al-Tamari to finish from close range and bring the French side level.

Juventus continued to create opportunities after conceding. Federico Gatti came close from a corner, only for Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba to produce an important save.

Weston McKennie also had a major opportunity to restore the home side’s advantage. He was initially denied by Samba before striking the post with the rebound, leaving Juventus frustrated at their failure to make their chances count.

Rennes turn the game around

Rennes gradually became more comfortable as the first half progressed and began causing problems for the Juventus defence.

The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute after a handball incident inside the area. Boulaye Dia stepped forward and kept his composure from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Rennes a 2-1 lead.

Juventus went into the break behind despite enjoying 54 percent possession during the match. The hosts had also registered 14 shots compared with Rennes’ 16, highlighting how closely contested the encounter was.

The Bianconeri needed a stronger response after the interval, and they eventually got one.

Woltemade brings Juventus level

Juventus increased the pressure after the restart and eventually earned their own penalty.

Nico Gonzalez played a role in the move, with his header striking an opponent’s arm inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot, giving Juventus an opportunity to restore parity.

Woltemade took responsibility and calmly converted in the 67th minute. The striker sent his penalty down the middle as Samba moved away from the ball, making it 2-2.

The goal continued what has been an impressive European campaign for Woltemade. He had already scored in each of his previous two major European appearances for Juventus, and his goal against Rennes made it three consecutive European appearances in which he has found the net.

His contribution was not limited to the penalty. Woltemade had also provided the assist for Çelik’s opening goal and remained one of Juventus’ most dangerous players throughout the match.

Late drama and VAR controversy

Juventus pushed hard for a winner during the closing stages and appeared to have completed the comeback when Jhon Lucumi found the net in the 88th minute.

However, the celebrations did not last.

VAR reviewed the incident and determined that Lucumi had been in an offside position during the build-up. The goal was therefore ruled out, denying Juventus what would have been a dramatic late victory.

Woltemade continued to threaten in the final minutes, including an effort that was blocked inside the area, but Rennes managed to withstand the pressure and leave Turin with a valuable point.

Man of the Match: Mousa Al-Tamari

Rennes winger Mousa Al-Tamari was the standout performer on the night.

Al-Tamari scored Rennes’ equaliser in the first half and was a constant threat on the right side. His pace and direct running caused problems for Juventus, particularly when he received the ball in space and attacked the home side’s defence.

According to Sofascore, Al-Tamari received the highest rating of the match at 8.3, making him their MVP. He recorded three shots, two of which were on target, while also producing two key passes. He won five of his seven duels and repeatedly helped Rennes move forward during their strongest periods of the game.

Interestingly, the fan vote went in a different direction, with Juventus’ Woltemade receiving the most votes. His goal, assist and overall attacking influence made him another strong candidate for the individual award.

The result also highlighted the competitive nature of this season’s Europa League league phase, with both sides showing enough quality to trouble each other throughout the evening. Juventus will feel they had enough opportunities to claim all three points, particularly after controlling more of the possession and applying sustained pressure late in the match. Rennes, however, deserve credit for remaining composed under pressure and refusing to allow the home side to dictate the closing stages. Their ability to defend their lead for as long as they did before Juventus equalised ensured they returned to France with a result that could prove valuable later in the competition.

A point that leaves both sides with positives

For Juventus, the draw will feel like an opportunity missed after taking an early lead and later pushing for a winner. Their 54 percent possession and 14 shots showed their attacking intent, but Rennes matched them with 16 attempts and created enough danger of their own.

Rennes can take plenty of confidence from the result, especially after twice recovering from a Juventus goal and protecting their advantage for much of the second half.

Juventus, meanwhile, remain unbeaten after three Europa League matches. The draw may have stopped their perfect run, but their ability to recover from a difficult position should provide encouragement as the league phase continues.

With Woltemade continuing to make an impact in Europe and Al-Tamari producing another influential display for Rennes, the 2-2 draw provided an entertaining contest that neither side fully managed to control.