Kolo Muani’s Late Goal Gives Juventus Win as Spalletti Demands More
Randal Kolo Muani struck in the 92nd minute as Juventus came from behind to beat Celta Vigo 2-1, but Luciano Spalletti warned his side that the late victory did not excuse an underwhelming display in Galicia.
Late Kolo Muani goal seals Juventus comeback
Juventus were trailing after Hugo Alvarez put Celta ahead in the first half, with the home side benefiting from a sluggish opening performance by the visitors.
- Hugo Alvarez gave Celta Vigo the lead before the interval.
- Nick Woltemade brought Juventus level.
- Kolo Muani then scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, finding the net in the 92nd minute.
The Bianconeri kept attacking until the final stages and were rewarded with a second successive late breakthrough, but Spalletti said the scoreline did not reflect the problems in Juventus’ performance.
Spalletti demands a higher level
The Juventus coach said his players were too slow during the first half and allowed Celta too much time to set their defensive shape.
“In the first half we were slow in everything,” Spalletti said. “We gave them too much time to organise themselves.”
He added that Juventus had performed below their standard despite taking all three points.
- Spalletti said Juventus must improve on what they showed in Spain.
- He stressed that a positive result can hide the true pattern of a match.
- He felt the second-half showing was better, but said technical mistakes and hesitant decisions remained too frequent.
“We were below our capabilities overall,” he said. “Results do not always tell you how a match has gone.”
Coach praises late push and substitutions
Spalletti did identify positives in Juventus’ refusal to settle for a draw. He praised the team’s willingness to keep searching for a winner and said the changes from the bench helped turn the contest.
“There was a desire to keep going for the goal right to the end,” Spalletti said. “We were rewarded for the substitutions and for the attitude shown on the pitch.”
He said the players showed they wanted to win rather than simply protect a point, but Juventus will need a more complete 90-minute display in the weeks ahead.
What happens next
- Juventus host Rennes on Europa League Matchday 3 as they aim to extend their winning run.
- Celta Vigo face Celtic away from home in their next European fixture.
