Juventus Return to Balaídos 26 Years After Celta Vigo European Upset

Juventus return to Balaídos on Thursday for a Europa League league-phase meeting with Celta Vigo, 26 years after suffering one of the club’s most striking European defeats at the same stadium. The Italian side opened their campaign with a 5-0 win over NEC Nijmegen and now seek a second consecutive victory, while Celta are looking to halt a three-match losing run in Europe.

A stadium with a difficult Juventus memory

The clubs last faced each other in the 1999/2000 UEFA Cup last 16. Juventus had taken a 1-0 advantage into the away leg, but Celta produced a 4-0 victory in Vigo to eliminate the Bianconeri.

For Celta captain Iago Aspas, the occasion carries a personal connection. The veteran forward was in the stands at Balaídos for that result as a child and will now be on the pitch when Juventus return.

• Juventus lost 4-0 at Celta in the second leg of their 1999/2000 UEFA Cup last-16 tie.
• Celta had been beaten 1-0 in the first match before overturning the deficit in Spain.
• Aspas watched the famous home win from the crowd at Balaídos.

“It is a great match and a very special one, although it remains only one of the eight league-phase games,” Aspas said. “I was in the stands at Balaídos that day, so to be on the field now makes it even more special.”

Aspas calls for Celta response

Celta’s immediate priority is to turn their European form around. Their current run of three continental defeats contrasts with a notable home record at the beginning of European campaigns: they have avoided defeat in each of their nine opening home fixtures in Europe.

Aspas said the side must begin collecting victories rather than relying on isolated performances.

“We need to start taking three points at a time and give our supporters something to celebrate,” he said.

Midfield control against Juventus attacking form

Juventus arrive in much stronger recent Europa League form after their emphatic five-goal victory over NEC Nijmegen on Matchday 1. Another win in Vigo would give them consecutive league-phase victories and strengthen their position in the race for automatic qualification to the knockout rounds.

Celta, however, showed their ability to dominate possession in their opening European fixture. They completed 92 per cent of their passes on Matchday 1, the highest rate in the competition, presenting Juventus with a clear midfield test.

• Celta led the competition for pass completion on Matchday 1 with 92 per cent accuracy.
• Former Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso is part of the Celta squad.
• Alonso has not beaten Juventus in five previous appearances against them.
• Juventus will look to their midfield authority and Randal Kolo Muani’s finishing to create openings.

The Matchday 2 contest takes place at Balaídos on Thursday night, with Juventus attempting to maintain their early momentum and Celta aiming to make home advantage count against familiar opposition.