While it wasn't a classic encounter, the chanting from the Madrid's home stadium was familiar. After a long wait, Jude Bellingham once again stood before the south end with his arms wide open, basking in the fans' rendition of Hey Jude. After a lengthy layoff and questions about his position, he netted his first goal of the season, ultimately securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Italian opponent that put up a fight. “It was a tough battle,” commented the Belgian goalkeeper.
Decisive Stops Secure the Win
The shot-stopper understood perfectly well, having to rescue a one-on-one from Dušan Vlahović and produce another decisive save from Khéphren Thuram in the final minute. The win leaves Madrid on a strong tally and the opposition team below the cut. 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 missed chance around the 85-minute mark; their current situation however makes for concerning reading.
“A side from Italy in difficulty is twice as dangerous,” Xabi Alonso had warned in advance.
The Turin-based club, who were without a victory since September, posed Madrid problems at the start and once more near the conclusion. Madrid dominated the ball, 66%-34%, but Juventus threatened on the break, particularly with Pierre Kalulu running and the striker linking up, managing 12 shots compared to the hosts' 27.
Promising Start for Away Side
They had started well, certainly. Within three minutes, they thought they were ahead, Vlahović somewhat unfortunate to be called for pulling the Brazilian defender. Shortly after, Raúl Asencio had to slide ahead of Vlahović when the wing-back dashed clear on the right. And three minutes after that, Weston McKennie's effort was pushed past the post.
What followed, from Federico Gatti's powerful strike, was a even better save. Fifteen minutes had gone. That said, soon the Italians' momentum had dissipated too. Madrid assumed command. Largely it was rather mechanical, though, and the top chances came to the French midfielder, who wouldn’t be the coach's preferred forward. Two were headed over, a third took a deflection; an additional chance with the head was wasted by Militão.
Turkish Talent Impresses
The best moments came from Arda Güler. Güler, whose football was the closest there was to fluidity, was always involved. His clever control and spin saw him clip to the back post for the Englishman.
Little was seen of Kylian Mbappé yet, but when he finally emerged it was the closest Madrid came to scoring. First his attempt was stopped by Michele Di Gregorio, who would produce several stops. Then some lovely fast footwork saw him evade the full-back repeatedly until he tumbled to the ground and set up Militão to fire over.
Late Tension
The Brazilian dived to halt Kalulu at the start of the second half, 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 area and the ball deflecting from the instep of his boot right through the center to past the center circle. Racing after it, huge space appearing, Vlahović outpaced Militão, using his strength and heading into the area where Courtois made the stop.
Then the usual pattern happened, the stop compensated for by the goal that comes after it. A flash from the Brazilian winger set up it, working himself enough space amid multiple defenders to unleash a low, left-footed shot which struck the post. Lurking in that forward position was Bellingham. With the deadlock broken, Madrid should have finished it, Mbappé denied by Di Gregorio and the Uruguayan seeing his half-volley blocked by the defender. Then Di Gregorio made a superb quick saves from Mbappé and the attacking midfielder.
It was not the only one: as the game was drawing to a close, the defender had to make a incredible last-ditch tackle as Madrid were opened up and at the mercy of the substitute momentarily alone in the area. Then in the dying moments Courtois flew in to stop Thuram, his job done. For Juve, there was no route to a comeback, the opening goal of the campaign the last of the match.
“It’s a great feeling, a while 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, here at home, it’s incredible. I was at ease, excellent. To perform was important and to score the winning goal benefits the team greatly.”
As for his form, he added: “I didn’t think last year was a disaster, with 15 goals, 14 assists, but I understand the perception was that it was worse. But I was a contributor to that, how we underperformed last year, there were nonetheless good moments but not the level I aim to play at, not the caliber like the first year. Now I’ve had my shoulder surgery, a new manager, he’s got that system, how we intend to play…. You have to take lessons.”
