Juventus were held to a 2-2 draw by French side Rennes in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, despite fighting back from a goal down in the second half to earn a point at home.
Nick Woltemade converted a penalty to level the score for Juventus, who also benefited from his assist for Zeki Celik’s early opener.
However, the Italian side were denied a late winner after Jhon Lucumi’s goal was ruled out for offside following a video assistant referee review.
The result extended Juventus’ difficult run of form, having suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Lazio in Serie A before the European encounter.
They had previously won their opening two Europa League matches, beating NEC 5-0 and coming from behind to defeat Celta Vigo 2-1.
Juventus made a bright start at the Allianz Stadium, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Woltemade delivered a precise pass to Celik, who broke through the Rennes defence before finishing past goalkeeper Brice Samba.
Rennes responded nine minutes later as Bryan Reynolds directed a cross towards the far post, allowing Musa Al-Taamari to score from close range and restore parity.
The hosts created several opportunities to regain the lead, with Federico Gatti’s header kept out by Samba before Weston McKennie was denied twice in quick succession, including a rebound that struck the post.
Rennes gradually grew into the contest and took the lead shortly before half-time.
The visitors were awarded a penalty after Douglas Luiz handled the ball while attempting to block a shot following a corner.
Boulaye Dia stepped up and converted the spot-kick in the 43rd minute, sending goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario the wrong way.
Juventus continued to search for an equaliser after the break, with Pierre Kalulu and Andrea Cambiaso involved in attacking moves.
Vicario also had to make further saves as Rennes threatened to extend their advantage.
The hosts eventually drew level in the 67th minute after a handball by Reynolds resulted in another penalty.
Woltemade took responsibility and confidently sent the ball down the middle to make it 2-2.
The goal revived Juventus, who pressed for a winner in the closing stages.
Woltemade came close with two headers, while Teun Koopmeiners tested Samba with a powerful long-range effort.
Juventus thought they had completed the comeback in the 88th minute when Lucumi fired home after a free-kick caused confusion inside the Rennes penalty area.
However, the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that established the defender was offside during the build-up.
Rennes defended resolutely in the final minutes to preserve the draw, leaving Juventus frustrated after missing the opportunity to maintain their winning start in the Europa League.
Celik opened the scoring for Juventus in the sixth minute before Al-Taamari equalised for Rennes in the 15th minute.
Dia converted a penalty shortly before the interval, while Woltemade’s second-half spot-kick secured the 2-2 result.
