While it wasn't a classic encounter, the roar from the Santiago Bernabéu was familiar. Having been absent for some time, Jude Bellingham finally found himself before the home supporters with his arms wide open, listening to the fans' rendition of his anthem. Following a shoulder injury and questions about his role, he netted his opening strike of the season, ultimately delivering a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Italian opponent that made them work hard. “It was a tough battle,” stated the Belgian goalkeeper.
Decisive Stops Secure the Win
The shot-stopper understood better than anyone, having to save a clear chance from Dušan Vlahović and produce another decisive stop from Khéphren Thuram in the final minute. The win puts Madrid on a strong tally and Igor Tudor’s team below the cut. After a match with more shots than fluid football, the visiting coach may consider a decent start, with those saves representing a missed chance around the closing stages; their current situation though presents concerning reading.
“A side from Italy in trouble is doubly threatening,” Xabi Alonso had remarked in advance.
The Turin-based club, which hadn’t won since last month, did cause Madrid issues at the start and once more near the end. Madrid commanded the ball, with a significant advantage, but Juventus were dangerous on the counter, particularly with the French defender running and the striker combining, managing 12 shots compared to the home side's 27.
Strong Opening for Away Side
They had started well, certainly. Within three minutes, they believed they were ahead, Vlahović a little unfortunate to be called for holding Éder Militão. Shortly after, the Madrid defender had to slide ahead of him when Kalulu broke free on the right flank. Then three minutes after that, the American midfielder's shot was deflected past the post.
Next, from Federico Gatti's drive, was a even better save. Fifteen minutes had gone. However, quickly the visitors' impetus had dissipated as well. Madrid assumed command. Mostly it was rather mechanical, however, and the top chances came to the French midfielder, who is not Alonso’s striker of choice. Two were off target, a third one deflected wide; another chance with the head was missed by the center-back.
Turkish Talent Impresses
Most creative play were provided by Arda Güler. The Turk, whose play was the closest there was to smooth attacking, was always involved. His clever control and spin saw him deliver to the back post for Bellingham.
Little was seen of the French superstar early on, but when he finally emerged it was the nearest Madrid got to a goal. First his shot was stopped by the Juventus keeper, who would produce eight saves. Then some exquisite dribbling saw him turn Andrea Cambiaso twice until he went down to the turf and set up his teammate to blast over.
Second-Half Drama
Militão threw himself to halt Kalulu at the start of the second period, and then came the customary save from the keeper when unexpectedly Vlahović was through. The “inadvertent pass” had been remarkable, with the defender cutting out a ball inside his own area and the ball deflecting from the inside of his foot directly through the center to beyond the halfway line. Sprinting after it, huge space appearing, the striker raced Militão, using his strength and heading into the area where the keeper made the stop.
Next what tends to happen occurred, the stop compensated for by the score that comes after it. A flash from Vinícius Júnior created it, working himself enough space amid multiple defenders to unleash a low, left-footed shot which hit the upright. Lurking in that striker’s role was the goalscorer. With the deadlock broken, Madrid ought to have sealed the game, the Frenchman denied by Di Gregorio and Fede Valverde seeing his half-volley deflected by the defender. Then Di Gregorio made a superb quick saves from Mbappé and the attacking midfielder.
There were more scares: as the match was slipping away, the defender had to make a stunning sliding block as Madrid were exposed and at the mercy of Loïs Openda momentarily alone in the area. Then in the dying moments Courtois flew in to deny the midfielder, his work done. For the visitors, there was no route to a comeback, Bellingham’s first of the season the last of the match.
“It’s a great feeling, a while now since I’ve scored, a lot of time out and thinking of that instant, back in the elite competition and against a big team. To get the decisive goal, in our stadium, it’s incredible. I was at ease, excellent. To play well was important and to net the match-winner benefits the team greatly.”
As for his form, he added: “I didn’t think last year was a failure, still 15 goals, fourteen setups, but I know the perception was that it was worse. But I was a part of that, how we underperformed last year, there were nonetheless positive spells but not the level I aim to play at, not the caliber like the first year. Now I’ve had my shoulder surgery, a new manager, he’s got that shape, how we want to play…. You have to learn from it.”
