Kolo Muani nets 92nd-minute winner as Juventus stun Celta Vigo in Europa League

Celta Vigo were dealt a brutal late blow on Thursday night, falling 1-2 to Juventus at Balaídos in the Europa League. Hugo Álvarez put Claudio Giráldez's side ahead in the first half, but Woltemade drew the Italians level after the break before Kolo Muani headed home a 92nd-minute winner. The defeat marks Celta's second consecutive loss in the continental competition.

• Kolo Muani scored the winning goal for Juventus in the 92nd minute.
• Hugo Álvarez gave Celta Vigo the lead in the 18th minute after a Willot assist.
• Woltemade equalized for the Italians in the second half from a loose ball.
• Celta Vigo have now lost back-to-back Europa League games.
• Iago Aspas came on in the 75th minute but could not prevent the defeat.

Hugo Álvarez's early strike gives Celta Vigo hope

Juventus started with more of the ball but struggled to create clear chances. Celta sat deep, waiting for their moment, and found it early. Willot tested the Italian keeper with a straight shot in the sixth minute, and in the 18th a well-worked team move ended with the midfielder slipping a pass behind the defense for Hugo Álvarez. The winger made no mistake, tapping the ball home to make it 1-0.

The goal arrived at a crucial time, just as the Turin side were beginning to dominate possession. From then until half-time, the match became flat, with little to trouble either goalkeeper. Woltemade had the best chance to level before the interval in the 40th minute, but the German forward lacked accuracy with his finish.

Juventus push back and Woltemade punishes Celta's defense

After the restart, Juventus came out with far more intensity, pressing Celta's build-up play and forcing the hosts into mistakes. Jutglà remained Celta's most dangerous outlet, constantly troubling the Italian back line. Conceição warned of the comeback in the 52nd minute with a fierce strike that Radu did brilliantly to keep out.

The equalizer came in the 58th minute. Marcos Alonso failed to deal with a tricky ball inside the box and Woltemade, alert to the danger, pounced on the loose ball and slotted past Radu. The big striker, far sharper in the second half, restored parity and completely changed the momentum of the contest.

Giráldez brings on Iago Aspas and the game opens up

The match grew in intensity as both teams chased a winner. Javi Rueda, lively down the flank, combined with Jutglà on a couple of occasions, but Celta lacked the finishing touch. Seeing his team running out of steam and ideas in attack, Giráldez introduced Iago Aspas and Burcio in the 75th minute.

The game turned into an end-to-end battle, electric and open. Nico González came inches away from scoring with a shot that whistled past the post, while Balaídos urged the home side forward. Celta were pushing, but they lacked sharpness in the final third. And just when a draw seemed inevitable, the cruelest of endings arrived.

Kolo Muani breaks Celta hearts in stoppage time

In the 92nd minute, Cambiaso swung in a dangerous cross and Kolo Muani rose highest to power a header beyond Radu, putting Juventus ahead for the first time on the night. The goal silenced Balaídos and left Celta wondering how they had let a match they controlled for long stretches slip away.

The loss is a significant emotional blow for Celta, who have now dropped two straight Europa League games and continue to struggle for consistency in what has been an uneven season. Even the arrival of club legend Iago Aspas in the closing stages could not stop the late collapse. Giráldez's men went toe-to-toe with one of Europe's heavyweights but paid a heavy price for their lack of ruthlessness in both boxes.

What this defeat means for Celta Vigo in the Europa League

This latest defeat leaves Celta in a difficult position in the Europa League league phase. The competition's format offers little room for consecutive slip-ups if a club wants to finish in the top eight and secure direct passage to the round of 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th are forced into a playoff round.

For Giráldez's side, every European fixture is a chance to build confidence and rhythm — something they have also been missing in LaLiga. The schedule offers no respite, and the Galician coach must now lift his players to turn things around both domestically and on the continent.