While it wasn't a match for the ages, the roar from the Santiago Bernabéu was unmistakable. Having been absent for some time, Jude Bellingham finally found himself before the south end with his arms outstretched, listening to the crowd's singing of Hey Jude. After a lengthy layoff and questions about his position, he scored his first goal of the season, eventually securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that made them work hard. “It was a tough battle,” stated the Belgian goalkeeper.
Decisive Stops Ensure the Win
Courtois knew perfectly well, having to rescue a clear chance from Dušan Vlahović and make another decisive save from Khéphren Thuram in the final minute. This result puts Madrid on a strong tally and Igor Tudor’s team outside the qualifying spots. At the end of a game with plenty of attempts but little elegance, the Juventus manager may consider a promising opening, with those opportunities representing a wasted moment around the 85-minute mark; their current situation though makes for worrying statistics.
“A side from Italy in difficulty is doubly threatening,” the Madrid coach had remarked in advance.
Juventus, which were without a victory since last month, did cause Madrid issues at the beginning and again near the conclusion. Madrid commanded the ball, 66%-34%, but Juventus threatened on the counter, particularly with the French defender surging forward and Vlahović combining, managing 12 shots compared to the hosts' twenty-seven.
Strong Opening for Away Side
They had started well, without a doubt. Within three minutes, they believed they were in front, the forward somewhat unfortunate to be penalized for pulling Éder Militão. Three minutes later, Raúl Asencio had to intervene in front of Vlahović when the wing-back broke free on the right. Then three minutes after that, the American midfielder's effort was deflected wide.
Next, from Federico Gatti's powerful strike, was a even better stop. A quarter of an hour had passed. That said, quickly the Italians' momentum had faded as well. Madrid assumed command. Largely it was all a bit functional, however, and the top chances fell to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who wouldn’t be Alonso’s striker of choice. Two were off target, a third one deflected wide; another headed opportunity was missed by the center-back.
Turkish Talent Impresses
The best moments were provided by the young Turk. Güler, whose play was the nearest thing there was to fluidity, was constantly in the action. His neat stop and turn saw him deliver to the back post for the Englishman.
Little was seen of Kylian Mbappé yet, but when he finally emerged it was the nearest Madrid came to scoring. Initially his attempt was denied by Michele Di Gregorio, who would make several stops. Next some exquisite dribbling saw him evade Andrea Cambiaso repeatedly until he tumbled to the ground and set up Militão to blast over.
Second-Half Drama
Militão threw himself to stop Kalulu at the start of the second half, and then came the regulation save from the keeper when unexpectedly the attacker was through. The “assist” had been remarkable, with the defender intercepting a ball inside his own penalty box and the ball bouncing from the instep of his foot directly through the center to past the center circle. Racing after it, huge space appearing, the striker outpaced his marker, using his strength and heading into the box where the keeper made the stop.
Next what tends to happen happened, the save made good by the score that comes after it. A burst from the Brazilian winger created it, working himself enough space amid multiple defenders to unleash a driven effort which hit the post. Positioned in that striker’s role was Bellingham. The breakthrough found, Madrid should have finished it, the Frenchman denied by Di Gregorio and the Uruguayan seeing his half-volley blocked by Gatti. Subsequently the Juventus goalkeeper made a superb quick saves from Mbappé and Brahim Díaz.
There were more scares: as the game was slipping away, Raúl Asencio had to make a stunning sliding block as Madrid were exposed and at the risk of Loïs Openda momentarily alone in the area. Then in the dying moments Courtois dived to deny Thuram, his job complete. For Juve, there was no route to a comeback, Bellingham’s first of the campaign the final of the match.
“I'm overjoyed, a long time now since I’ve found the net, a lot of time out and dreaming of that instant, back in the elite competition and against a major opponent. To get the decisive goal, here at home, it’s incredible. I was at ease, really good. To play well was crucial and to score the winning goal helps the team a lot.”
Regarding his performance, he added: “I didn’t think last year was a failure, with 15 goals, 14 assists, but I know the perception was that it was worse. But I was a part of that, how we underperformed last year, there were still good moments but not the standard I want to play at, not the caliber like the debut season. Now I’ve had my shoulder surgery, a different coach, he’s got that system, how we want to play…. You have to learn from it.”
