Juventus 2–2 Rennes: Woltemade Penalty Rescues Point After French Comeback

Çelik gives Juventus an early advantage

Juventus surrendered their perfect Europa League record after drawing 2–2 with Rennes at the Allianz Stadium on 22 October. Luciano Spalletti's team entered Matchday 3 with six points from two matches and appeared ready to continue that sequence when Zeki Çelik opened the scoring inside five minutes. The defender finished after receiving an assist from Nick Woltemade, giving Juventus an encouraging start. However, Rennes responded with confidence rather than retreating. The French side had already demonstrated resilience during their opening two European fixtures, and their response in Turin showed why Spalletti had warned about their physical strength and attacking potential.

Rennes overturn the deficit before half-time

Rennes equalised in the 15th minute through Musa Al-Taamari. The Jordan international finished from close range, restoring parity and changing the momentum of the contest. Juventus struggled to regain the control they had established during the opening minutes. The visitors continued threatening and were rewarded shortly before half-time when Boulaye Dia converted a penalty. The goal completed Rennes' turnaround and left Juventus facing a second-half deficit. For Spalletti, the situation required a more effective attacking response and greater control of the spaces Rennes had exploited.

Woltemade rescues a point from the penalty spot

Juventus increased their attacking pressure after the interval. Their efforts were rewarded when Nick Woltemade converted a second-half penalty to make it 2–2. The goal was the German forward's third of the Europa League campaign. Juventus continued searching for a winner and created further opportunities as Rennes attempted to protect the draw. The home side believed they had secured victory late in the match when Jhon Lucumí found the net from close range. However, the goal was disallowed for offside, leaving the final score at 2–2.

What does the draw mean for Juventus and Rennes?

Juventus remain unbeaten in the Europa League with seven points from their opening three matches. However, the result ended their perfect start and highlighted the defensive problems that allowed Rennes to recover from an early deficit. Spalletti's side demonstrated determination in the second half, but their attacking improvement was not enough to secure another victory. Rennes leave Turin with a valuable away point against a club that had won both previous league-phase fixtures. The French side showed resilience after conceding early and enough attacking quality to take the lead before half-time. For Juventus, the immediate challenge is to improve defensive consistency while maintaining the attacking threat provided by Woltemade and their supporting players.