While it wasn't a classic encounter, the chanting from the Madrid's home stadium was unmistakable. After a long wait, Jude Bellingham once again stood before the south end with his arms outstretched, basking in the crowd's rendition of his anthem. Following a lengthy layoff and questions about his role, he scored his first goal of the season, eventually delivering a narrow win for Real Madrid over a Italian opponent that put up a fight. “We had to sweat for it,” stated Thibaut Courtois.
Decisive Stops Secure the Win
Courtois understood better than anyone, having to save a clear chance from the Serbian striker and make another crucial save from the French midfielder in the final minute. The win leaves Madrid on nine points and Igor Tudor’s team below the cut. After a game with more shots than fluid football, the Juventus manager may consider a decent start, with those opportunities representing a missed chance around the closing stages; their current situation though presents concerning reading.
“A side from Italy in difficulty is twice as dangerous,” the Madrid coach had remarked in advance.
The Turin-based club, who hadn’t won since last month, did cause Madrid problems at the start and once more near the end. Madrid dominated the ball, 66%-34%, but Juventus threatened on the break, particularly with Pierre Kalulu running and the striker combining, managing a dozen attempts compared to the home side's 27.
Strong Opening for Visitors
They had started well, certainly. Within three minutes, they believed they were in front, Vlahović somewhat unlucky to be penalized for pulling the Brazilian defender. Shortly after, Raúl Asencio had to slide in front of Vlahović when the wing-back broke free on the right flank. And soon after, the American midfielder's shot was pushed past the post.
Next, from Federico Gatti's powerful strike, was a even better stop. Fifteen minutes had passed. However, quickly the visitors' impetus had faded as well. Madrid assumed command. Mostly it was all a bit functional, though, and the three best opportunities fell to the French midfielder, who wouldn’t be the coach's preferred forward. Two were off target, a third one deflected wide; another headed opportunity was wasted by the center-back.
Guler Shines
Most creative play came from Arda Güler. The Turk, whose football was the closest there was to smooth attacking, was constantly in the action. His clever control and spin saw him clip to the far post for the Englishman.
Little was seen of Kylian Mbappé early on, but when he finally emerged it was the closest Madrid got to a goal. Initially his attempt was denied by Michele Di Gregorio, who would make several stops. Then some exquisite dribbling saw him turn the full-back twice until he tumbled to the turf and set up his teammate to blast over.
Second-Half Drama
Militão threw himself to halt Kalulu at the start of the second period, and then came the customary save from the keeper when suddenly Vlahović was away. The “inadvertent pass” had been remarkable, with the defender intercepting a pass inside his own area and the sphere bouncing from the inside of his boot directly through the center to past the center circle. Racing after it, ample room appearing, Vlahović outpaced Militão, using his strength and heading into the box where the keeper made the stop.
Then what tends to happen occurred, the stop compensated for by the score that comes after it. A burst from Vinícius Júnior created it, working himself enough space amid multiple defenders to release a low, left-footed shot which hit the upright. Positioned in that forward position was the goalscorer. With the deadlock broken, Madrid ought to have sealed the game, Mbappé denied by the keeper and Fede Valverde seeing his half-volley blocked by Gatti. Then the Juventus goalkeeper made a superb quick saves from the forward and Brahim Díaz.
It was not the only one: as the game was slipping away, Raúl Asencio had to make a stunning sliding block as Madrid were opened up and at the risk of Loïs Openda momentarily alone in the area. Then in the final seconds the Madrid keeper flew in to stop the midfielder, his job done. For Juve, there was no way back, Bellingham’s first of the season the last of the encounter.
“I'm overjoyed, a while now since I’ve found the net, a period out and thinking of that instant, back 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 important and to net the match-winner benefits the team greatly.”
As for his form, he continued: “I didn’t think last year was a disaster, still 15 goals, 14 assists, but I understand the perception was that it was poorer. But I was a part of that, how we didn’t play as well last year, there were nonetheless positive spells but not the level I want to play at, not the caliber like the debut season. Now I’ve had my operation, a different coach, he’s got that system, how we want to play…. You have to take lessons.”
