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 home supporters with his arms outstretched, listening to the fans' rendition of Hey Jude. After a shoulder injury and uncertainty about his role, he scored his first goal of the campaign, ultimately securing a narrow win for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that put up a fight. “It was a tough battle,” stated Thibaut Courtois.
Decisive Stops Secure the Win
The shot-stopper understood better than anyone, having to save a one-on-one from the Serbian striker and produce another decisive save from Khéphren Thuram in the dying moments. The win leaves Madrid on a strong tally and the opposition team outside the qualifying spots. After a match with more shots than fluid football, the visiting coach may reflect on a decent start, with those opportunities representing a missed chance around the closing stages; the team's reality however presents concerning reading.
“A side from Italy in trouble is twice as dangerous,” Xabi Alonso had warned beforehand.
Juventus, who were without a victory since September, did cause Madrid issues at the start and once more near the conclusion. Madrid commanded the ball, 66%-34%, but Juventus threatened on the break, especially with the French defender running and the striker linking up, managing 12 shots compared to the hosts' twenty-seven.
Promising Start for Away Side
The visitors began brightly, certainly. After just three minutes, they believed they were in front, Vlahović a little unfortunate to be called for pulling Éder Militão. Three minutes later, the Madrid defender had to intervene ahead of Vlahović when Kalulu dashed clear on the right flank. And soon after, Weston McKennie's shot was deflected past the post.
What followed, from the defender's powerful strike, was a even better save. Fifteen minutes had passed. That said, quickly the visitors' impetus had dissipated as well. Madrid assumed command. Largely it was all a bit functional, though, and the three best opportunities fell to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is not the coach's preferred forward. A couple were off target, a third deflected wide; another headed opportunity was missed by the center-back.
Guler Shines
Most creative play were provided by the young Turk. The Turk, whose play was the nearest thing there was to fluidity, was always involved. His neat stop and turn saw him clip to the back post for Bellingham.
There was not much sign of the French superstar yet, but when he did appear it was the nearest Madrid got to a goal. First his attempt was denied by Michele Di Gregorio, who would make several stops. Next some exquisite dribbling saw him evade the full-back twice until he went down to the turf and set up Militão to fire over.
Second-Half Drama
Militão dived to stop the runner at the start of the second period, and then came the customary save from the keeper when unexpectedly the attacker was away. The “inadvertent pass” had been remarkable, with the defender cutting out a ball inside his own area and the sphere deflecting from the instep of his boot directly through the center to beyond the halfway line. Sprinting after it, ample room appearing, the striker outpaced his marker, using his strength and advancing into the area where Courtois saved.
Then what tends to happen happened, the save made good by the score that comes after it. A burst from the Brazilian winger created it, creating enough space amid multiple defenders to unleash a low, left-footed shot which hit the upright. 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 the Uruguayan seeing his volley blocked by the defender. Subsequently Di Gregorio made a superb quick saves from Mbappé and the attacking midfielder.
There were more scares: as the match was drawing to a close, the defender had to make a incredible last-ditch tackle as Madrid were exposed and at the mercy of Loïs Openda momentarily alone in the penalty box. Then in the final seconds the Madrid keeper flew in to deny the midfielder, his work complete. For Juve, there was no route to a comeback, the opening goal of the season the last of the match.
“I'm overjoyed, a long time now since I’ve found the net, a period out and dreaming of that moment, back in the elite competition and against a major opponent. To score a winner, in our stadium, it’s unbelievable. I felt comfortable, really good. To play well was crucial and to score the winning goal benefits the team a lot.”
Regarding his performance, he continued: “I didn’t think last year was a failure, with fifteen strikes, 14 assists, but I understand the general feeling was that it was worse. But I was a contributor to that, how we didn’t play as well last year, there were still positive spells but not the standard I want to play at, not the level like the debut season. Now I’ve had my operation, a different coach, he’s got that system, how we intend to play…. You have to learn from it.”
