Juventus produced a devastating attacking display to thrash NEC Nijmegen 5-0 in their UEFA Europa League league phase encounter at the Allianz Stadium on September 18, 2026. The Bianconeri were relentless from the opening whistle, scoring three goals before half-time and adding two more in the second half to complete a comprehensive victory that sends a clear message to their European rivals.

Match Overview

Juventus entered the match as heavy favourites and lived up to that billing with a performance that combined clinical finishing with suffocating pressure. NEC Nijmegen, making their first appearance at this stage of the competition in recent memory, struggled to cope with the pace and intensity of the Italian side. The visitors attempted to sit deep and frustrate their hosts, but Juventus' movement and quick passing quickly dismantled their defensive shape.

Key Moments

• 12' – 1-0: Dusan Vlahovic opened the scoring with a powerful header from a corner, rising above the NEC defence to thump the ball into the net.
• 28' – 2-0: Kenan Yildiz doubled the lead with a moment of individual brilliance, cutting inside from the left and curling a shot into the far corner.
• 41' – 3-0: Manuel Locatelli made it three with a long-range strike that took a slight deflection, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
• 58' – 4-0: Vlahovic grabbed his second, finishing coolly after being played through by Federico Chiesa.
• 79' – 5-0: Substitute Moise Kean completed the rout, tapping in from close range after a flowing team move.

Tactical Story

Juventus employed a high press that suffocated NEC's attempts to play out from the back. The midfield trio of Locatelli, Adrien Rabiot, and Weston McKennie dominated the centre of the park, winning possession and quickly transitioning into attack. NEC's back five was constantly stretched by the movement of Vlahovic and Yildiz, while the full-backs pushed high to provide width. The Dutch side, on the rare occasions they did break forward, found themselves isolated and easily dispossessed.

Standout Players

Dusan Vlahovic was the star of the show with two goals and an assist, showcasing his aerial prowess and clinical finishing. Kenan Yildiz was a constant thorn in NEC's side, dribbling past defenders with ease and creating chances. Manuel Locatelli controlled the tempo from deep, while Gleison Bremer was a rock at the back, snuffing out any potential counter-attacks.

Season Impact

This victory moves Juventus to the top of the Europa League league phase table, at least temporarily, and boosts their goal difference significantly. For NEC Nijmegen, it is a harsh lesson in the quality required at this level, but they will look to regroup in their next fixture. The result also extends Juventus' unbeaten run in European competition to six matches, underlining their credentials as one of the favourites for the trophy.

Match Stats

• Possession: Juventus 64% – NEC Nijmegen 36%
• Shots: Juventus 22 – NEC Nijmegen 4
• Shots on Target: Juventus 11 – NEC Nijmegen 1
• Corners: Juventus 8 – NEC Nijmegen 2
• Fouls: Juventus 9 – NEC Nijmegen 14