UCL: Villarreal Holds Juventus to 2-2 Draw with Late Equalizer

Renato Veiga's late header secures Point for Villarreal

Villarreal and Juventus played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the UEFA Champions League. Renato Veiga scored a late equalizer to secure a point for Villarreal.

Juventus had a golden opportunity to seal the win when Jonathan David's dinked effort struck the bar...

Villarreal secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League, thanks to Renato Veiga's dramatic 90th-minute equalizer. This result extends Villarreal's unbeaten home run to nine matches at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Georges Mikautadze put Villarreal ahead in the 18th minute with a cool finish into the far corner. However, Juventus rallied in the second half, equalizing through Federico Gatti's acrobatic overhead kick in the 49th minute. Francisco Conceicao gave Juventus the lead seven minutes later, but Veiga's late header ensured the hosts earned a point.

Renato Veiga's late goal was a testament to his team's resilience and determination. Despite knowing Juventus's historical prowess, Veiga emphasized the team's focus on replicating their coach's strategy to achieve victory. Villarreal's head coach, Marcelino García Toral, expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete against top-tier opponents like Juventus.

Renato Veiga's 90th-minute equaliser earns Villarreal a point 💛#UCL pic.twitter.com/I0bHxVUNkV

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 1, 2025

Villarreal started strong, with the home crowd fueling their attack. In the 18th minute, Nicolas Pepe's cutback was expertly finished by Georges Mikautadze, who scored his first-ever UCL goal. This early lead gave Villarreal momentum.

Just five minutes later, Villarreal nearly doubled their lead when Alfonso Pedraza's powerful shot hit the post, thanks to Mattia Perin's reflexes. Juventus was grateful to trail by only one goal and gradually grew into the game.

As the first half progressed, Juventus began to create chances. Weston McKennie had a couple of half-opportunities thwarted by Arnau Tenas. Meanwhile, Mattia Perin made a crucial save to deny Tajon Buchanan's close-range effort, keeping Juventus within striking distance.

Juventus extended their trend of both teams scoring in their last four matches just four minutes into the second half. Lloyd Kelly's clever flick from McKennie's long throw set up Federico Gatti, who scored with an impressive bicycle kick.

Juventus scored again soon after when substitute Francisco Conceicao seized on Dani Parejo's misplaced pass. Conceicao skillfully cut inside Rafa Marin and calmly slotted the ball into the net, giving Juventus a 2-1 lead.

The rapid turnaround stunned Villarreal, who struggled to regain composure as the match entered its final 20 minutes. Despite the setback, they remained determined to salvage a point at home.

Juventus had a golden opportunity to seal the win when Jonathan David's dinked effort struck the bar. This miss proved costly, as it gave Villarreal a chance to salvage a point.

A top player.

Nicolas Pepe, Villarreal vs Juventus MVP. pic.twitter.com/IIIaammeiA

— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) October 1, 2025

In the final minute, Renato Veiga rose highest in the six-yard box to head home Ilias Akhomach's corner, securing a 2-2 draw for Villarreal. This result extended Juventus' dismal away run in the UCL to just one win in 11 matches (D5, L5).