Celta Vigo had taken the lead through Hugo Álvarez in the 18th minute, but Nick Woltemade volleyed Juventus level in the 58th. Just when a draw appeared likely, Kolo Muani met Andrea Cambiaso’s cross in the 92nd minute to secure a 2-1 victory for Luciano Spalletti’s team.
Giráldez was left to reflect on another late setback after Celta had also conceded in the closing stages of their opening European fixture. He felt the performance offered plenty of encouragement despite the result.
“The competition has started cruelly for us. We have had two matches with plenty of good feelings that have slipped away, the other day in the 89th minute and today in the 91st. We competed very well and did many things very well. It’s a shame,” the Celta coach said.
He added that his team had struggled at the start of the second half and lacked the energy from the bench to be more precise late on, but remained proud of how they had challenged a major European opponent.
“If I were a Celta supporter, I wouldn’t leave disappointed. This is Celta-Juventus. I think it is important that we enjoy moments like these, with a great atmosphere. We have to feel proud to be playing in the Europa League for the second consecutive year against one of the best teams in history.”
Giráldez remained confident his side would progress, insisting their approach was right despite having no points from their opening two games.
“We are going to make it into the next phase. We didn’t deserve to lose, and it’s a shame to come away empty-handed with zero points from these two matches, but I think this is the way forward.”
Spalletti acknowledged Juventus had been slow to impose themselves in the first half, allowing Celta to recover their defensive organisation and forcing the visitors into repeated efforts to regain their shape.
“We were a little slow in everything we did in the first half, because we kept giving the opposition time to get organised,” the Juventus manager said.
He explained that changes in the positioning of Woltemade and Kolo Muani were intended to exploit space and give the latter more opportunities in one-on-one situations. Juventus, however, still had to manage Celta’s transitions and improve their control of possession.
Spalletti was pleased his players continued to pursue victory rather than retreat into safety. The late goal rewarded that intent, while leaving Celta to take encouragement from a performance that ended in disappointment.