While it wasn't a match for the ages, the roar from the Santiago Bernabéu was familiar. Having been absent for some time, Jude Bellingham finally found himself before the south end with his arms wide open, basking in the crowd's rendition of Hey Jude. Following a lengthy layoff and uncertainty about his position, he scored his opening strike of the season, ultimately securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that put up a fight. “It was a tough battle,” stated Thibaut Courtois.
Key Saves Ensure the Win
Courtois knew perfectly well, having to save a one-on-one from Dušan Vlahović and produce another crucial stop from the French midfielder in the final minute. The win puts Madrid on a strong tally and Igor Tudor’s team outside the qualifying spots. At the end of a match with plenty of attempts but little elegance, the visiting coach may reflect on a promising opening, with those opportunities representing a wasted moment around the 85-minute mark; their current situation however makes for concerning reading.
“A side from Italy in difficulty is twice as dangerous,” the Madrid coach had remarked in advance.
Juventus, who were without a victory since September, did cause Madrid issues at the beginning and once more near the conclusion. Madrid dominated possession, with a significant advantage, but Juventus were dangerous on the counter, especially with the French defender running and the striker linking up, firing off a dozen attempts 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, the forward somewhat unfortunate to be called for holding Éder Militão. Three minutes later, Raúl Asencio had to intervene ahead of him when Kalulu broke free on the right flank. Then soon after, Weston McKennie's effort was pushed wide.
Next, from Federico Gatti's powerful strike, was a more impressive save. A quarter of an hour had passed. However, quickly the Italians' momentum had dissipated as well. Madrid took control. Mostly it was all a bit functional, however, and the top chances came to the French midfielder, who wouldn’t be Alonso’s striker of choice. Two were headed over, a third took a deflection; an additional headed opportunity was missed by Militão.
Turkish Talent Impresses
The best moments were provided by the young Turk. Güler, whose play was the closest there was to fluidity, was always involved. His clever control and spin saw him clip to the far post for Bellingham.
Little was seen of Kylian Mbappé early on, but when he did appear it was the closest Madrid came to scoring. Initially his attempt was denied by the Juventus keeper, who would produce eight saves. Next some exquisite dribbling saw him turn the full-back twice until he tumbled to the turf and set up his teammate to fire over.
Second-Half Drama
The Brazilian threw himself to stop Kalulu at the outset of the second period, and then came the regulation save from the keeper when unexpectedly the attacker was away. The “inadvertent pass” had been quite something, with the defender intercepting a ball inside his own area and the sphere bouncing from the inside of his boot right through the center to past the halfway line. Racing after it, ample room appearing, Vlahović outpaced his marker, holding him off and heading into the box where Courtois saved.
Then the usual pattern happened, the save made good by the goal that comes after it. A burst from Vinícius Júnior created it, creating enough room amid multiple defenders to unleash a low, left-footed shot which struck the post. Positioned in that forward position was Bellingham. With the deadlock broken, Madrid ought to have sealed the game, the Frenchman stopped by Di Gregorio and Fede Valverde seeing his half-volley blocked by the defender. Subsequently Di Gregorio made a brilliant double stop from Mbappé and Brahim Díaz.
It was not the only one: as the game was slipping away, the defender had to make a incredible last-ditch tackle as Madrid were exposed and at the risk of the substitute unmarked in the area. Finally in the dying moments Courtois flew in to stop the midfielder, his work complete. For the visitors, there was no route to a comeback, the opening goal of the season the final of the match.
“It’s a great feeling, a long time now since I’ve scored, a lot of time out and dreaming of that instant, returning in the Champions League and against a major opponent. To score a winner, in our stadium, it’s incredible. I was at ease, really good. To play well was important and to net the match-winner helps the team a lot.”
Regarding his form, he added: “I didn’t think last year was a failure, still fifteen strikes, fourteen setups, but I know the general feeling was that it was worse. But I was a part of that, how we didn’t play as well last year, there were nonetheless positive spells but not the standard I aim to play at, not the caliber like the first year. Now I’ve had my operation, a new manager, he’s got that shape, how we want to play…. You have to learn from it.”
