While it wasn't a match for the ages, the chanting from the Santiago Bernabéu was familiar. After a long wait, Jude Bellingham once again found himself before the south end with his arms outstretched, basking in the fans' rendition of Hey Jude. After a lengthy layoff and uncertainty about his role, he netted his first goal of the season, eventually delivering a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that put up a fight. “It was a tough battle,” commented the Belgian goalkeeper.
Key Saves Secure the Win
The shot-stopper understood perfectly well, having to rescue a one-on-one from the Serbian striker and produce another decisive stop from the French midfielder in the final minute. The win puts Madrid on a strong tally and the opposition team outside the qualifying spots. After a match with plenty of attempts but little elegance, the visiting coach may consider a decent start, with those saves representing a missed chance around the closing stages; their current situation however makes for worrying statistics.
“A side from Italy in difficulty is doubly threatening,” the Madrid coach had warned beforehand.
The Turin-based club, who were without a victory since last month, did cause Madrid issues at the start and again near the conclusion. Madrid commanded the ball, with a significant advantage, but Juventus were dangerous on the break, especially with Pierre Kalulu surging forward and Vlahović combining, firing off 12 shots compared to the home side's 27.
Promising Start for Away Side
The visitors began brightly, without a doubt. Within three minutes, they thought they were ahead, the forward somewhat unfortunate to be penalized for pulling the Brazilian defender. Three minutes later, the Madrid defender had to slide ahead of Vlahović when the wing-back dashed clear on the right flank. And soon after, the American midfielder's effort was deflected wide.
What followed, from the defender's drive, was a more impressive save. A quarter of an hour had gone. However, soon the Italians' momentum had dissipated too. Madrid assumed command. Largely it was rather mechanical, however, and the top chances came to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is not Alonso’s striker of choice. Two were off target, a third one took a deflection; another headed opportunity was missed by Militão.
Turkish Talent Impresses
Most creative play came from Arda Güler. The Turk, whose football was the closest there was to smooth attacking, was always involved. His neat stop and turn saw him deliver to the far post for Bellingham.
There was not much sign of Kylian Mbappé early on, but when he finally emerged it was the closest Madrid got to scoring. Initially his attempt was denied by the Juventus keeper, who would make eight saves. Then some lovely fast footwork saw him evade the full-back repeatedly until he tumbled to the ground and laid off to Militão to fire over.
Second-Half Drama
The Brazilian dived to stop the runner at the outset of the second period, and then came the customary Courtois rescue when unexpectedly Vlahović was through. The “assist” had been remarkable, with Lloyd Kelly intercepting a ball inside his own penalty box and the sphere deflecting from the inside of his boot right through the center to past the halfway line. Sprinting after it, ample room appearing, the striker outpaced Militão, holding him off and advancing into the area where Courtois saved.
Next what tends to happen happened, the stop made good by the score that follows it. A flash from Vinícius Júnior created it, creating enough space amid multiple defenders to release a low, left-footed shot which struck the upright. Lurking in that forward position was Bellingham. With the deadlock broken, Madrid should have finished it, the Frenchman denied by the keeper and the Uruguayan seeing his volley blocked by the defender. Subsequently Di Gregorio made a superb quick saves from the forward and the attacking midfielder.
It was not the only one: as the game was slipping away, Raúl Asencio had to make a stunning sliding block as Madrid were exposed and at the risk of the substitute unmarked in the area. Finally in the final seconds Courtois flew in to deny Thuram, his work done. For Juve, there was no way back, Bellingham’s first of the campaign the final of the match.
“I'm overjoyed, a long time now since I’ve scored, a lot of time out and dreaming of that instant, returning in the elite competition and against a major opponent. To score a winner, here at home, it’s unbelievable. I was at ease, excellent. To perform was crucial and to net the match-winner benefits the team a lot.”
As for his performance, he added: “It wasn't that last year was a failure, with fifteen strikes, fourteen setups, 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 level I want to play at, not the level like the first year. Now I’ve had my shoulder surgery, a new manager, he’s got that system, how we want to play…. You have to take lessons.”
