Juventus left Vigo with more than a comeback and a favourable Europa League position. The win over Celta placed Luciano Spalletti’s side first in the league phase after two rounds, while the partnership of Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani again supplied the decisive response. Yet the evening at Balaídos also exposed the unfinished work facing the coach as the season develops.
A comeback that ends a long wait
- Juventus had not overturned a deficit to win for 320 days and 14 matches before the trip to Vigo. Their previous comeback victory came on 29 November 2025, when Kenan Yildiz scored twice against Cagliari.
- In the intervening matches, conceding first had usually proved damaging. Juventus lost eight such games: against Napoli (2-1), Cagliari (1-0), Inter (3-2), Como (2-0), Fiorentina (2-0), Atalanta in the Coppa Italia (3-0), Galatasaray in the Champions League (5-2) and Sassuolo (3-2).
- They also drew six times after falling behind, against Lecce (1-1), Lazio (2-2), Roma (3-3), Verona (1-1), Milan (1-1) and Cagliari (1-1).
- At Celta, Woltemade and Kolo Muani delivered the goals that changed that pattern, offering Spalletti a useful indication of the group’s response under pressure.
The result matters beyond the European table. A side that had too often looked beaten once the match turned against it found a route back in Spain, with Woltemade and Kolo Muani continuing to make their case as an effective attacking pairing.
Sarr and Cambiaso offer encouragement
Pape Matar Sarr was among Juventus’ strongest performers. He recorded 88 touches, completed 65 passes, made three interceptions and won six of his 11 ground and aerial duels. He also had three attempts against Celta goalkeeper Radu: one on target, one wide and one blocked.
The midfielder’s work in breaking up play and carrying Juventus through transitions stood out. His final pass still requires refinement, but Spalletti has another energetic option who could become important in the centre of the side.
Andrea Cambiaso also had a significant night. Making his first start of the campaign after an injury absence stretching from late August until after the October international break, he provided an assist for the first time in more than five months.
He did not entirely deliver the all-round “three-dimensional” profile Spalletti has previously associated with him, but the performance was a first step in restoring his standing. Cambiaso is currently regarded as behind Celik in the coach’s pecking order, making his contribution in Vigo especially timely.
Possession without enough threat
Juventus spent long periods in Celta territory but often moved the ball too slowly and without enough purpose. Their possession could become repetitive, allowing them to occupy the final third without consistently creating danger.
The opening phase also raised concerns about the team’s attitude. Juventus committed only six fouls and contested 10 tackles in the first half, while leaving spaces between their lines that Celta’s forwards repeatedly used. The comeback corrected the result, not every flaw in the performance.
Koopmeiners remains a concern
Teun Koopmeiners had arrived in Vigo with reason to believe that the evening could offer a reset. His recent display for the Netherlands had drawn warm words from Spalletti, who described him as a player with a “three-dimensional view” and a foot capable of setting the rhythm, seeing him as a deep-lying playmaker who can guide the side.
Instead, the Dutchman again struggled to impose himself. Spalletti acknowledged after the match that the player is lacking calmness, partly because he has featured infrequently and feels constantly judged.
“I thought European football could help bring him back into focus,” Spalletti said in essence, “but he still has to improve after what he showed today.”
Last season Koopmeiners was one of the players to gain most from Spalletti’s work, becoming a leading figure for Juventus across much of the campaign. In 2025-26 he produced nine goals and eight assists, with late runs into the box a major part of his influence.
This year has begun at a different tempo. A muscular issue kept him out between late August and mid-September, and he has not yet rediscovered the timing or authority that made him so valuable. Juventus have recovered a match in Vigo; bringing Koopmeiners back to his previous level remains a longer task for their coach.
