Key Takeaways:
- Juventus maintained their unbeaten home record in the UEFA Europa League, stretching back to 1999, with a 5-0 win over NEC Nijmegen
- Nico Gonzalez opened the scoring in the 9th minute, capitalising on a mistake from NEC goalkeeper Nikolas Polster
- Randal Kolo Muani registered a goal and an assist
Match Analysis
Juventus emphatically began their UEFA Europa League campaign with a 5-0 hammering of NEC Nijmegen, further extending their impressive undefeated record at home in the competition, which has remained intact since 1999. Coming off the back of a surprising 3-2 defeat to Sassuolo at the weekend, Juventus wasted no time asserting dominance at the Allianz Stadium.
The Italian giants took the lead within nine minutes, courtesy of a defensive blunder from 24-year-old goalkeeper Nikolas Polster. Polster was left stranded after rushing out to intercept a long ball, only for Nico Gonzalez to arrive first and slot into the empty net. NEC sought a quick response as Noe Lebreton tested the home side’s defence with a sharp turn and shot, but the effort was parried away.
FT | ⌛️ | A commanding win to begin our #UEL campaign! 💪#JuveNEC pic.twitter.com/BbqLIINBRa
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) September 17, 2026
First Half: Clinical Juventus Run Riot
Juventus continued to apply pressure and, after seeing Nick Woltemade’s attempt denied by Polster, doubled their advantage. Kerim Alajbegovic scored a spectacular second from 20 yards, guiding the ball into the top corner. By the 35th minute, the visitors’ woes deepened as Almugera Kabar brought down Gonzalez inside the area, allowing Woltemade to convert with authority from the penalty spot to make it 3-0.
NEC Nijmegen tried to gain a foothold, with Ayodele Thomas firing from distance prior to the interval, and Dennis Geiger missing early in the second half. Juventus, however, managed the game with ease as the match wore on.
Second Half: Hosts Add Further Damage
With the result seemingly wrapped up, Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti rotated his squad at the hour mark, mindful of their upcoming Serie A fixture against Atalanta. Despite these changes, the Bianconeri were far from finished. In the 75th minute, summer signing Zeki Celik tapped in from close range after Randal Kolo Muani’s low cross bypassed Polster completely.
Francisco Conceicao came close to joining the scoresheet before Kolo Muani himself netted Juventus’ fifth. Polster once again misjudged a long ball, which allowed Kolo Muani, formerly of PSG, to stroll the ball into the net and open his account for the season.
Statistical Overview and Implications
With this resounding victory, Juventus have now claimed 11 wins from 14 home ties against Dutch teams. NEC Nijmegen, by contrast, are now without a win in four matches across all competitions, a run that continues despite Ayodele Thomas’ late effort, which was kept out.
