Juventus left Vigo with more than another European victory. The 2-1 comeback against Celta, which keeps Luciano Spalletti’s side perfect in the Europa League, offered two forwards a timely change of mood: Nick Woltemade restored parity and Randal Kolo Muani struck after the 90th minute to settle a difficult evening in Spain.
Both had arrived under scrutiny, yet both answered when Juventus needed a response. Woltemade had missed an early opportunity, but recovered to turn in the equaliser from close range after Marcos Alonso’s mistake gave him a clear opening. The German forward was quick to take advantage, beating former Inter goalkeeper Ionut Radu with the composure of a central striker.
It was his first goal from open play after scoring a penalty against NEC in the opening Europa League matchday. His European return is now two goals from two starts, an encouraging detail for a player who has alternated between dropping into deeper areas and occupying the penalty box as a more conventional forward.
Kolo Muani then supplied the decisive moment. His header, scored in stoppage time, followed the one he had produced against Cagliari and made it two consecutive matches on the scoresheet after a long wait for a league goal. Against Celta, as against NEC in the first European fixture, Juventus had one goal from each of their two attackers.
The Frenchman’s late finish underlined the purpose behind his arrival: to decide close matches. He said he was pleased to have scored again and praised Woltemade’s contribution to “a really important comeback”, before turning attention to Juventus’ next league appointment with Lazio. “We are professionals,” he said. “Now we want to be ready for that match.”
Woltemade, on loan from Newcastle, welcomed the developing understanding with Kolo Muani without presenting it as the only solution for Spalletti. “Kolo likes playing with a partner? I do too,” he said. “When there are two of us in the box, it is difficult for defenders. But I am not the coach. I trust Spalletti: we can do well together and individually. I am happy Kolo Muani has scored for the second match in a row.”
He also described the display in Vigo as his strongest since joining Juventus. “I think it was my best performance here so far,” Woltemade said. “Scoring helps, but I can improve further. Confidence is fundamental for a striker.”
For Spalletti, the value of the night was not simply the maximum points in Europe. Juventus found a way back when the match was slipping away, while two forwards who had needed reassurance supplied it themselves. Kolo Muani is beginning to rediscover a regular touch in front of goal, and Woltemade will hope October again becomes the productive month it was for him last season. With Lazio approaching, Juventus have reason to carry that renewed conviction back into the championship.
