Senegal striker Boulaye Dia scored from the penalty spot as Stade Rennais secured a 2-2 draw against Juventus in Turin in the Europa League on Thursday.
The 29-year-old put Rennes ahead in the 43rd minute, but the French side were unable to protect their advantage as Juventus equalised through a Nick Woltemade penalty in the 67th minute.
Dia’s goal marked his first in the Europa League for Rennes and continued his encouraging run in front of goal.
According to pre-match statistics, the Senegal international has now scored three goals in his last four matches across all competitions.
The result saw Rennes leave Turin with a point after a contest in which both teams fought back from behind and relied on penalties to take the lead or restore parity.
Juventus had made the brighter start, with Zeki Çelik opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Rennes responded through Mousa Al-Tamari, who brought the visitors level in the 15th minute.
With the scores tied, Dia stepped up to take responsibility from the penalty spot and converted in the 43rd minute to give Rennes a 2-1 lead before half-time.
The French side carried that advantage into the second half but were unable to see out the match. Juventus were awarded a penalty, which Woltemade converted in the 67th minute to bring the Italian side back on level terms.
Neither side managed to find a decisive goal after the equaliser, leaving the contest at 2-2.
For Dia, the strike was another sign of his growing influence in Rennes’ attack.
His recent scoring form offers encouragement to head coach Franck Haise, who can rely on the Senegalese forward to take chances in important matches.
Scoring against Juventus in Turin also gave Dia an opportunity to make his mark on the European stage, although his penalty ultimately proved insufficient to secure all three points for Rennes.
The forward’s latest goal adds to his recent contributions across competitions and underlines his current effectiveness in front of goal.
His first Europa League strike for Rennes came at a significant venue, even as the visitors were left to settle for a draw after surrendering their lead.
Other players also featured in the matchday squad, with Issa Soumaré entering the game in the 81st minute. Pape Matar Sarr remained on the bench.
Rennes will take encouragement from earning a draw away to Juventus, while Dia’s continued scoring form provides a positive development for the French club as their European campaign progresses.
The Senegalese striker’s penalty had put Rennes in a position to claim a notable victory in Turin, but Woltemade’s second-half response ensured the points were shared.
