While it wasn't a classic encounter, the chanting from the Santiago Bernabéu was familiar. Having been absent for some time, Jude Bellingham finally found himself before the south end with his arms outstretched, listening to the crowd's rendition of Hey Jude. Following a shoulder injury and questions about his role, he netted his opening strike of the campaign, ultimately securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that made them work hard. “It was a tough battle,” commented the Belgian goalkeeper.
Decisive Stops Secure the Victory
The shot-stopper understood better than anyone, having to rescue a clear chance from the Serbian striker and make another crucial save from the French midfielder in the final minute. The win leaves Madrid on nine points and Igor Tudor’s team outside the qualifying spots. After a game with plenty of attempts but little elegance, the Juventus manager may consider a decent start, with those opportunities representing a wasted moment around the closing stages; the team's reality though presents concerning reading.
“A side from Italy in difficulty is twice as dangerous,” Xabi Alonso had remarked in advance.
The Turin-based club, which hadn’t won since September, did cause Madrid issues at the beginning and again near the conclusion. Madrid commanded possession, with a significant advantage, but Juventus were dangerous on the break, especially with the French defender running and Vlahović combining, managing a dozen attempts compared to the hosts' twenty-seven.
Strong Opening for Away Side
The visitors began brightly, without a doubt. After just three minutes, they believed they were ahead, the forward somewhat unfortunate to be called for pulling the Brazilian defender. Three minutes later, the Madrid defender had to slide in front of him when Kalulu broke free on the right. Then three minutes after that, the American midfielder's shot was pushed past the post.
What followed, from the defender's powerful strike, was a even better stop. Fifteen minutes had gone. However, soon the visitors' impetus had faded too. Madrid assumed command. Mostly it was all a bit functional, though, and the top chances came to the French midfielder, who wouldn’t be the coach's preferred forward. Two were off target, a third one took a deflection; an additional chance with the head was missed by the center-back.
Turkish Talent Impresses
Most creative play came from Arda Güler. Güler, whose football was the nearest thing there was to smooth attacking, was always involved. His clever control and spin saw him deliver to the back post for Bellingham.
There was not much sign of the French superstar early on, but when he did appear it was the closest Madrid came to a goal. First his attempt was denied by the Juventus keeper, who would make eight saves. Next some exquisite dribbling saw him turn the full-back twice until he went down to the turf and laid off to Militão to fire over.
Second-Half Drama
The Brazilian 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 Lloyd Kelly intercepting a pass inside his own area and the sphere bouncing from the instep of his foot right through the middle to past the halfway line. Racing after it, ample room opening, the striker outpaced Militão, holding him off and heading into the area where the keeper saved.
Next what tends to happen happened, the stop compensated for by the goal that follows it. A flash from the Brazilian winger set up it, working himself enough room amid four men to unleash a low, left-footed shot which hit the post. Positioned in that forward position was the goalscorer. The breakthrough found, Madrid ought to have sealed the game, Mbappé denied by the keeper and Fede Valverde seeing his volley deflected by the defender. Subsequently the Juventus goalkeeper made a superb quick saves from Mbappé and Brahim Díaz.
There were more scares: as the match was drawing to a close, Raúl Asencio had to make a incredible last-ditch tackle as Madrid were opened up and at the mercy of Loïs Openda unmarked in the penalty box. Finally in the final seconds the Madrid keeper dived to deny the midfielder, his work done. For the visitors, there was no way back, Bellingham’s first of the season the last of the encounter.
“I'm overjoyed, a while now since I’ve found the net, a lot of time out and thinking of that moment, back in the elite competition and against a major opponent. To get the decisive goal, here at home, it’s unbelievable. I felt comfortable, excellent. To perform was crucial and to score the winning goal benefits the team greatly.”
As for his form, he added: “It wasn't that last year was a failure, with 15 goals, 14 assists, but I know the perception was that it was worse. But I was a contributor to that, how we underperformed last year, there were nonetheless positive spells but not the standard I want 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 take lessons.”
