Published: 09:37, October 23, 2026
Europa League: Juve salvage Rennes draw as Benfica, Leverkusen stay perfect
By Reuters
Juventus' Randal Kolo Muani (left) and Rennes' Bryan Reynolds in action during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Juventus and Rennes in Turin, Italy, Oct 22, 2026. (PHOTO/LAPRESSE VIA AP)

TURIN, Italy - Juventus dropped their first points of the Europa League campaign after coming from behind to draw 2-2 with visitors Rennes on Thursday.

Benfica ​went top of the standings with a 4-1 demolition of Omonia in Cyprus, ‌after Bayer Leverkusen had also moved onto nine points with a 2-0 win at OFI in Crete.

Bournemouth also maintained their perfect start with a 3-0 victory over 10-man AC Milan. Olympiacos and Ferencvaros made ​it three wins from three as well, beating Sparta Prague 1-0 and Torreense ​4-1 respectively.

Zeki Celik gave Juventus a fifth-minute lead, but the French side ⁠kept their composure and were level 10 minutes later when Jordan international Musa Al-Taamari ​finished from close range for his first goal in the competition.

Rennes then stunned the hosts ​with a Boulaye Dia penalty two minutes before the break as the Italians struggled to create chances until Nick Woltemade equalized from the spot in the 67th minute.

The German forward twice went close to scoring ​again as Luciano Spalletti's team upped the pressure, and Juve thought they had won ​it in the 88th minute when Jhon Lucumi found the net from close range, but his effort ‌was ruled ⁠out for offside.

Leverkusen's Malik Tillman (center) fights for the ball during a Europa League opening phase soccer match between OFI Crete and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, in Heraklion, on the southern island of Crete, Greece, Oct 22, 2026. (PHOTO/INTIME SPORTS VIA AP)

The draw at least spared Juventus a second successive defeat following Sunday's 3-0 home loss to Lazio in Serie A.

Jonas Hofmann made the most of his surprise start for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring twice in three minutes to give the Bundesliga side a 2-0 victory ​at OFI.

OFI, who ​stunned Hoffenheim 2-0 in ⁠their opening league-phase match, were twice caught napping by Hofmann, who was added to the side following an injury to Martin Terrier.

Bournemouth ​took control against Milan through first-half penalties from Justin Kluivert and ​Marcus Tavernier ⁠before Amine Adli added a third in the 84th minute. Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off in the 28th minute.

Hoffenheim beat Olympique Lyonnais 3-0 to claim their first win of the ⁠competition, but ​the victory was overshadowed by an injury to Lyon ​defender Steeve Kango. Kango fell awkwardly after an aerial challenge and was carried off on a stretcher wearing a ​neck brace before being taken to hospital for checks.