Woltemade Rescues Juventus in Rennes Draw as Leverkusen Go Top of Europa League

Juventus' perfect start to the Europa League league phase came to an end on Thursday night as the Italian side fought back from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Rennes. The hosts made the ideal start when Zeki Celik struck after five minutes, but the French visitors responded with composure. Jordan international Musa Al-Taamari levelled 10 minutes later with his first goal in the competition, and Boulaye Dia then put Rennes ahead from the penalty spot two minutes before half-time. Juventus finally found a reply in the 67th minute when German forward Nick Woltemade converted from the spot to make it 2-2. The Italians thought they had won it late on when Jhon Lucumi turned the ball home in the 88th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. The point at least spared a second successive defeat after Sunday's 3-0 Serie A loss to Lazio. Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen went top of the table with a third straight win, beating OFI Crete 2-0 in Greece. Jonas Hofmann, handed a surprise start following Martin Terrier's injury, scored twice in three minutes to put the Bundesliga side in control. Leverkusen sit on nine points, leading Ferencvaros on goal difference. Sunderland's perfect start also ended as they were held 1-1 at Lech Poznan, Timur Tutierov's second-minute opener cancelled out by Leo Bengtsson's 70th-minute equaliser. The Black Cats have seven points, level with fourth-placed Juventus.