Juventus blaze past NEC Nijmegen to lead Europa League group

Juventus opened their Europa League campaign at the Allianz Stadium in Turin with a five‑goal demolition of Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, sealing a 5‑0 victory in a dominant display that placed the Italian giants top of the group after the first round.

First‑half fireworks

Luciano Spalletti’s side built the lead early, with the first three goals coming from Nicolás González, Kerim Alajbegovic and Nick Woltemade. The match report credits a Foto: ANSA / Ansa - Brasil image for the action, and repeatedly refers to the opponents as hailing from Holanda.

Second‑half seal

After the interval Juventus added two more strikes, Zeki Çelik tapping home and Randal Kolo Muani finishing a swift counter‑attack. Alajbegovic, who had been substituted, made way for Muani, who needed only four minutes to find the net.

NEC's fight in a losing cause

NEC Nijmegen were not passive; they registered seven shots to Juventus’ five by half‑time and enjoyed 67 per cent possession in the early stages of the second half. Ayodele Thomas was their brightest spark, testing goalkeeper Kamil Grabara twice and beating Federico Gatti to deliver a dangerous ball from the left.

Juventus bench and crowd reaction

Goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, on debut, launched the long ball that led to the opening goal after NEC keeper Nikolas Polster mis‑judged the flight, allowing Nico González to roll the ball into an empty net. Gleison Bremer replaced Weston McKennie after an hour, while Francisco Conceicao and Teun Koopmeiners entered for González and the booked Douglas Luiz. Perr Schuurs’ introduction on 67 minutes was met with boos from the home crowd.

The win left Juventus atop the Europa League group, ahead of Crystal Palace, Sparta Prague and Besiktas on goal difference, while NEC Nijmegen sit bottom. Juventus’ next fixture is against Celta de Vigo in Spain on 15 October, and NEC will host Levski Sofia of Bulgaria on the same day.

For Spalletti, whose position had been debated before kick‑off and who received public backing from sporting director Frederic Massara hours earlier, the comprehensive victory provides a valuable breathing space as the campaign unfolds.