Kabar's Europa League debut ends in half‑time exit as Juventus dominate

The roar of the Juventus crowd in Turin faded as the 20‑year‑old defender limped off at the break, his Europa League debut for NEC Nijmegen ending after just 45 minutes of a match that would become a nightmare for the loaned BVB youngster.

The opening of the new Europa League season could not have been more disastrous for the BVB loanee. Kabar started for NEC Nijmegen against Juventus in Turin, but the visitors ran rampant, eventually winning 0‑5, and the 20‑year‑old was forced off after 45 minutes on the Platz.

Early goals expose NEC's frailties

In the ninth minute the Deutsche goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, who moved from Wolfsburg to Juventus in the summer, sent a long clearance that fell to Nico González. The NEC defender failed to clear and the ball rolled into the empty net, giving Juventus the first lead.

Just before the half‑hour mark, Kerim Alajbegović struck after a pass from captain Weston McKennie. The youngster, signed for roughly 30 million euros from Bayer Leverkusen, became the youngest scorer in the club’s European history at 18 years old.

Penalty and Kabar's exit

Thirty‑five minutes in, Kabar brought Nico González down in his own penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Nick Woltemade, on loan from Newcastle United, converted the spot‑kick – his first season goal – and Nach the half‑time the unlucky BVB loanee was substituted.

Juventus continued to press after the break. In the 75th minute, substitute Randal Kolo Muani delivered a sharp cross for Zeki Çelik to make it 4‑0, and a few minutes later Muani himself slotted home after a long ball from Lucumi, sealing the rout.

Kabar was sent on loan to NEC Nijmegen in the summer, with media reports saying the Dutch side could not secure a purchase option. The defender aims to cement a place in the starting line‑up and gain the minutes he would not have received at BVB. To date he has featured eight times for NEC, accounting for roughly half of the possible playing time and forming part of the club’s extended squad.

The harsh Lage of the match underlines the challenges loanees face when thrust into Euro competition. While the defeat highlights the gulf between the clubs, Kabar’s brief appearance serves as a reminder of the thin margin between opportunity and setback for young players seeking to prove themselves on the European stage.