Kolo Muani’s Late Winner Keeps Juventus Perfect in Europa League
Juventus extended their flawless Europa League run with a 2-1 victory in Spain, recovering from a half-time deficit before Randal Kolo Muani delivered the decisive goal in stoppage time.
Hugo Alvarez had put the home side ahead before the break, with Juventus falling short of the intensity demanded by Luciano Spalletti. Nick Woltemade levelled the contest in the second half, and Kolo Muani then completed the turnaround at the end of the match to secure three significant European points.
The result was briefly accompanied by speculation over Francisco Conceicao’s reaction to being substituted in the 70th minute. The 23-year-old Portugal international was replaced shortly after Woltemade’s equaliser and was reported to have struck part of the dugout before heading towards the tunnel.
Conceicao denies coaching-staff row
Conceicao rejected suggestions that he had confronted a member of Spalletti’s staff. He said he had hit the section of the bench where he had been sitting after leaving the pitch, but insisted there had been no exchange with any coach or staff member.
The winger explained that he went inside only to change his shirt and use the bathroom, before returning a few minutes later. He said he wanted to address the matter because he did not want inaccurate claims about the incident to continue.
Spalletti said any frustration from Conceicao ought to concern the player’s own performance rather than the substitution. The Juventus manager also noted the need to manage his squad with another fixture only days away.
The coach added that his staff had not informed him of any improper behaviour. If there had been an issue, Spalletti said, Conceicao would have the chance to explain his view and the club would deal with it internally.
Second-half response earns crucial win
Conceicao instead focused on Juventus’ response after the interval, when Spalletti made clear that the first-half level would not be enough to win the game. The manager criticised his side for arriving late to the ball, challenges and forward runs.
Juventus responded by playing with greater urgency and closer to the standard they show in training, Conceicao said. He felt the Bianconeri could have scored more than their two second-half goals and urged the squad to carry that performance into the coming matches.
The focus now turns back to Serie A, where Juventus face an in-form Lazio side. Conceicao acknowledged the scale of that challenge but believes the second-half display in Spain offers a platform as Juventus seek to climb the league table and take another important three points.
