Nick Woltemade Delivers Again as Juventus Claim Europa League Comeback Win
Nick Woltemade is making an early case for the Europa League to become his “favourite competition.” The Germany international scored for the second consecutive match in the tournament, helping Juventus Turin recover from a first-half deficit and beat Celta Vigo 2-1 away from home.
Juventus looked set for a frustrating evening after Hugo Alvarez gave the Spanish side the lead in the 18th minute. But Woltemade restored parity with a composed finish, before Randal Kolo Muani struck deep into stoppage time to secure all three points. The result leaves Juventus with six points from their opening two league-phase matches, while Celta remain without a point and face growing pressure to turn their European campaign around.
Woltemade’s Europa League Form Offers a Timely Lift
Woltemade’s equaliser came after Celta defender Marcos Alonso failed to control a ball with his chest. The loose ball fell invitingly for the forward, who reacted quickly and fired a right-footed shot into the net from close range. It was a simple finish, but an important one: Juventus needed a response, and Woltemade provided it.
The goal followed his successful penalty in the previous Europa League match against Nijmegen. Two goals in two appearances have given the 24-year-old a strong start in the competition, even as questions continue to surround his role and effectiveness in domestic football.
Juventus’ winner arrived in the second minute of added time. Kolo Muani, formerly of Eintracht Frankfurt, finished the decisive move to complete the comeback and underline the value of the Turin club’s attacking depth. For a side seeking consistency across competitions, a late away victory can carry more significance than the points alone: it can build belief, sharpen competition for places and relieve pressure after a difficult spell.
Why Is Woltemade Facing Criticism in Turin?
Despite his European goals, Woltemade has yet to score in Serie A. His opportunities have also been limited, with the forward so far appearing as a substitute in the Italian league. That gap between his European output and his domestic record has become a talking point among sections of the Italian media.
After Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Cagliari, Turin newspaper Tuttosport questioned whether coach Luciano Spalletti could find a clear role for the German, describing him as a player who currently appeared out of place. Corriere dello Sport was similarly critical, arguing that he had not yet shown enough in front of goal. Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested that Woltemade might still have time to establish himself in the team.
The debate reflects a familiar challenge for a new signing at a major club: adapting to a different tactical system while competing for minutes in a demanding environment. A forward can contribute through movement, link-up play and pressing even when goals are scarce, but at Juventus, attacking players are judged heavily on decisive moments. Woltemade’s Europa League performances offer evidence of his finishing ability, though he will need to translate that form into Serie A to quiet doubts.
There have been encouraging signs beyond his goals. Woltemade showed some promising moments against Cagliari, and Kolo Muani has spoken positively about his strike partner. Those details suggest that the German is not necessarily struggling to connect with teammates; rather, he is still working to secure a consistent place in Spalletti’s plans.
Competition for Places Could Shape Juventus’ Transfer Plans
Reports in Italy have also raised questions about Woltemade’s long-term role. La Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that Spalletti is becoming less convinced by the signing and could seek another centre-forward in the winter transfer window. The same report said the coach believes he already has several options capable of operating in Woltemade’s preferred second-striker position.
Those players reportedly include the injured Kenan Yildiz, Kerim Alajbegovic and Nico Gonzalez. Their availability and form could influence how much playing time Woltemade receives over the coming months. The situation is fluid, however, and a strong run of performances could quickly alter the conversation. In football, a player’s standing can change rapidly when injuries, fixture congestion and tactical adjustments open up opportunities.
Several potential recruits have been linked with Juventus. AFC Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey is reportedly among the names being considered, alongside Mateo Retegui of Al-Qadsiah, Folarin Balogun of AS Monaco and Antonio Raimondo of Frosinone. These links should be treated as transfer speculation rather than confirmation of an imminent move. Still, the reports indicate that Juventus may be assessing its options as it looks to strengthen the attack.
What Comes Next for Juventus and Woltemade?
Juventus’ immediate priority is to carry its European momentum into the domestic schedule. The Turin side faces Lazio in Serie A, while Celta Vigo returns to league action against Alaves. Juventus has collected six points in Europe, but its domestic position is less comfortable: Inter Milan and Lazio have reportedly opened a five-point gap over the leading pair, increasing the importance of upcoming league fixtures.
For Woltemade, the next challenge is clear. He must turn promising substitute appearances into a stronger case for regular selection, ideally by contributing in Serie A as well as in Europe. His Europa League record gives him a useful platform, but one competition alone is unlikely to settle questions about his place in the squad.
Prediction: Juventus will take confidence from its comeback win, but the pressure will remain on the attack to produce consistently across competitions. Woltemade’s latest goal strengthens his argument for more minutes; whether he can become a regular starter may depend on how effectively he adapts to Spalletti’s system and makes the most of his next domestic opportunity.
