Juventus Crush NEC Nijmegen 5-0 in Europa League Rout

Juventus announced their Europa League intentions with a brutal 5-0 demolition of NEC Nijmegen in Turin, leaving the Dutch side shellshocked in their Group Stage opener. From Nicolás González’s early strike to Randal Kolo Muani’s late dagger, this was a statement performance screamed in italicised capitals.

Juventus Start With Ferocious Intent

The Allianz Stadium barely had time to settle before González pounced in the 9th minute, the Argentine winger punishing Nijmegen’s sluggish start with a ruthless finish past Niklas Polster. The temperature rose further when Kerim Alajbegovic doubled Juve’s lead on 24 minutes, Weston McKennie’s through ball dissecting the defence like a scalpel.

Dick Schreuder’s visitors were drowning – their 52% possession count a cruel illusion as Juventus turned their box into a shooting gallery. Nick Woltemade’s 35th-minute penalty, won after a clumsy Nijmegen challenge, felt inevitable. Three goals, seven shots on target, and the Dutch side hadn’t landed a glove.

NEC Nijmegen’s Nightmare Continues

If Nijmegen hoped the break might spark a reaction, Zeki Çelik shattered those illusions on 75 minutes, the Turkish defender slamming home Kolo Muani’s cutback to make it four. The French striker then rubbed salt in the wounds seven minutes later, turning Jhon Lucumí’s cross home from six yards to complete the humiliation.

Nijmegen’s misery was compounded by Jamiro Monteiro’s yellow card and a bench that burned through all five subs by the 79th minute – Schröder desperately rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Their three shots on target told its own story; a team outclassed in every department.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Juventus, this was the perfect Europa League launchpad – a performance dripping with the arrogance their pedigree demands. Luciano Spalletti will demand this ruthlessness becomes habitual as they target a deep run in the competition.

Nijmegen must regroup quickly. Conceding five away in Europe leaves psychological scars, but Schreuder must ensure this mauling doesn’t derail their domestic campaign. Their next group game already feels pivotal.

When the Europa League anthem plays again, Juventus will walk a little taller. Nijmegen? They’ll be checking under the bed tonight for black and white stripes.