While it wasn't a classic encounter, the chanting from the Madrid's home stadium was familiar. Having been absent for some time, Jude Bellingham finally found himself before the home supporters with his arms wide open, listening to the fans' rendition of Hey Jude. Following a shoulder injury and uncertainty about his position, he scored his first goal of the campaign, ultimately securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that put up a fight. “It was a tough battle,” commented Thibaut Courtois.
Decisive Stops Secure the Victory
Courtois knew better than anyone, having to rescue a one-on-one from the Serbian striker and produce another decisive stop from the French midfielder in the final minute. This result leaves Madrid on a strong tally and the opposition 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 decent start, with those opportunities representing a missed chance around the 85-minute mark; the team's reality though presents concerning reading.
“An Italian team in trouble is doubly threatening,” the Madrid coach had remarked in advance.
The Turin-based club, who were without a victory since September, posed Madrid issues at the start and again near the conclusion. Madrid commanded possession, with a significant advantage, but Juventus were dangerous on the break, particularly with Pierre Kalulu surging forward and the striker linking up, firing off 12 shots compared to the hosts' twenty-seven.
Strong Opening for Visitors
They had started well, without a doubt. After just three minutes, they believed they were in front, Vlahović somewhat unfortunate to be called for pulling Éder Militão. Three minutes later, Raúl Asencio had to slide in front of Vlahović when the wing-back dashed clear on the right flank. And three minutes after that, the American midfielder's effort was deflected wide.
What followed, from the defender's powerful strike, was a more impressive save. Fifteen minutes had passed. However, soon the Italians' momentum had faded as well. Madrid took control. Largely it was all a bit functional, however, and the three best opportunities came to the French midfielder, who is not Alonso’s striker of choice. Two were off target, a third one deflected wide; an additional chance with the head was missed by Militão.
Guler Shines
Most creative play were provided by the young Turk. Güler, whose play was the closest there was to smooth attacking, was always involved. His clever control and spin saw him deliver to the back post for Bellingham.
Little was seen of the French superstar yet, but when he finally emerged it was the closest Madrid got to scoring. First his shot was denied by Michele Di Gregorio, who would produce eight saves. Then some lovely fast footwork saw him turn Andrea Cambiaso twice until he went down to the turf and laid off to his teammate to blast over.
Late Tension
The Brazilian dived to stop Kalulu at the start of the second period, and then came the customary save from the keeper when unexpectedly Vlahović was away. The “assist” had been quite something, with Lloyd Kelly intercepting a pass inside his own penalty box and the ball bouncing from the instep of his foot right through the middle to past the halfway line. Racing after it, huge space opening, Vlahović raced Militão, holding him off and heading into the area where the keeper made the stop.
Next what tends to happen happened, the save compensated for by the score that follows it. A flash from Vinícius Júnior set up it, creating enough room amid four men to release a driven effort which struck the upright. Lurking in that forward position was the goalscorer. With the deadlock broken, Madrid should have finished it, the Frenchman denied by Di Gregorio and the Uruguayan seeing his volley deflected by Gatti. Then Di Gregorio made a superb quick saves from the forward and Brahim Díaz.
There were more scares: as the game was slipping away, the defender had to make a stunning sliding block as Madrid were opened up and at the risk of Loïs Openda momentarily alone in the penalty box. Finally in the final seconds Courtois flew in to deny the midfielder, his work done. For Juve, there was no route to a comeback, Bellingham’s first of the season the final of the encounter.
“It’s a great feeling, a long time now since I’ve found the net, a period out and thinking of that moment, back in the elite competition and against a big team. To score a winner, here at home, it’s unbelievable. I was at ease, really good. To perform was important and to net the match-winner helps the team a lot.”
As for his form, he continued: “It wasn't that last year was a failure, still 15 goals, 14 assists, but I know the general feeling was that it was poorer. But I was a contributor to that, how we underperformed last year, there were still good moments but not the level 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 take lessons.”
