VAR denies Juventus late winner in 2-2 draw with Rennes

Juventus drew 2-2 with Rennes in the Europa League on Thursday after Nick Woltemade's penalty brought them level and a late Jhon Lucumí goal was disallowed. The visitors had overturned an early deficit in Turin, leaving Juventus needing a second-half response to take a point from the match at the Allianz Stadium.

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According to GOAL's match report, Woltemade set up Zeki Çelik for the fifth-minute opener before Mousa Al Tamari equalised ten minutes later. Juventus then threatened through Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie. Brice Samba saved McKennie's first effort, and the American hit the post with the rebound as the hosts sought to regain the lead.

Boulaye Dia put Rennes ahead with a penalty before half-time. Another handball decision gave Juventus their opportunity in the second half: Woltemade took the ball from Randal Kolo Muani, who agreed to let him take the kick, GOAL reported. Woltemade converted in the 67th minute, bringing the score back to 2-2.

Lucumí appeared to complete the comeback in the 88th minute, but VAR ruled him offside. Football Italia reported that the decision concerned his position when Teun Koopmeiners flicked on a free-kick. Coach Luciano Spalletti questioned the ruling afterwards, saying he believed a Rennes player had an opportunity to clear and had not been impeded by Lucumí.

In comments carried by Football Italia via TuttoMercatoWeb, Spalletti said he was pleased with the team's response following their 3-0 defeat by Lazio on Sunday. He credited his players for working their way back into a difficult match, while also acknowledging Rennes' technical ability and speed. His disagreement with the late decision did not change the final result.

Spalletti also said he expected more from the partnership between Woltemade and Kolo Muani, despite praising aspects of their performance. Football Italia reported that this was their first competitive start together. The coach said their qualities could complement each other, but also called for Juventus to play further forward and take greater control of matches.