Celta Vigo vs Juventus: Randal Kolo Muani's Stoppage-Time Goal Seals Dramatic 2-1 Victory
Juventus snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in the UEFA Europa League after Randal Kolo Muani scored a decisive header in the 92nd minute. The Italian giants came from behind to claim all three points on October 15, 2026, turning a tense European night at Abanca Balaídos into a memorable comeback.
Celta looked set to take something from the match after an impressive first-half performance, but Juventus showed persistence after the break. Nick Woltemade brought the visitors level before Kolo Muani delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time.
Celta Vigo Strike First Through Hugo Álvarez
Playing in front of their home supporters, Celta Vigo started with confidence and made life difficult for Juventus. The Spanish side looked comfortable moving forward and took the lead in the 18th minute when Hugo Álvarez finished a promising attacking move.
Juventus attempted to respond, with Federico Gatti sending an early volley over the crossbar. The visitors also created opportunities through Woltemade, but their finishing lacked the precision needed to level the score before half-time.
Celta maintained their defensive discipline and went into the break with a 1-0 advantage, leaving Juventus with plenty of work to do in the second half.
Nick Woltemade Brings Juventus Back Into the Game
Juventus returned from the interval with greater attacking intent. Francisco Conceição tested Celta goalkeeper Andrei Radu with a dangerous effort, and the visitors continued to put pressure on the home defence.
Their improved approach finally produced an equaliser in the 58th minute. Teun Koopmeiners sent a dangerous ball into the penalty area, and after Marcos Alonso's aerial touch altered its path, Woltemade reacted quickly to fire a right-footed volley into the bottom-left corner.
The goal changed the momentum of the contest. Juventus had recovered from their early setback, while Celta now faced the challenge of protecting a result that had appeared within their grasp.
Randal Kolo Muani Delivers the Decisive Blow
As the clock ticked towards full-time, both sides had reasons to believe the match might finish level. Juventus, however, continued searching for a winner rather than settling for a draw.
Nico González came agonisingly close to scoring in stoppage time, curling a left-footed effort narrowly wide of the post. That opportunity proved to be a warning for Celta.
In the 92nd minute, Andrea Cambiaso delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area. Kolo Muani found space in front of goal and rose to head the ball past Radu, sending Juventus into celebration and leaving the home crowd stunned.
The late finish completed Juventus' comeback and transformed a potentially frustrating evening into a valuable European victory. Kolo Muani's decisive contribution also underlined the importance of making an impact when the pressure is at its highest.
Juventus Rewarded for Their Persistence
The result reflected Juventus' determination to keep attacking despite an uneven first half. Manager Luciano Spalletti acknowledged that his team had been too slow early in the contest, but praised the players' attitude and willingness to take risks in pursuit of victory.
Celta, meanwhile, were left disappointed after defending their lead for much of the match. Their early attacking quality and organised first-half display suggested they could earn a positive result, but Juventus' increased pressure eventually proved decisive.
For the Italian side, the comeback offered more than three points: it demonstrated the value of persistence and the impact a substitute can make in a closely contested European fixture.
