It may not have been a match for the ages, the chanting from the Santiago Bernabéu was familiar. Having been absent for some time, Jude Bellingham finally stood before the south end with his arms wide open, basking in the fans' singing of his anthem. Following a shoulder injury and uncertainty about his role, he netted his first goal of the season, eventually securing a narrow win for Real Madrid over a Italian opponent that made them work hard. “We had to sweat for it,” stated the Belgian goalkeeper.
Key Saves Ensure the Victory
Courtois knew perfectly well, having to save a one-on-one from the Serbian striker and make another crucial stop from Khéphren Thuram in the dying moments. The win puts Madrid on nine points and the opposition team outside the qualifying spots. At the end of a game with more shots than fluid football, the visiting coach may reflect on a promising opening, with those saves representing a wasted moment 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, which hadn’t won since September, did cause Madrid problems at the start and again near the conclusion. Madrid commanded the ball, with a significant advantage, but Juventus threatened on the counter, especially with the French defender running and Vlahović linking up, firing off a dozen attempts compared to the home side's twenty-seven.
Strong Opening for Visitors
The visitors began brightly, without a doubt. After just three minutes, they believed they were in front, Vlahović somewhat unfortunate to be called for pulling the Brazilian defender. Shortly after, Raúl Asencio had to intervene ahead of him when Kalulu broke free on the right. And three minutes after that, Weston McKennie's shot was pushed wide.
Next, from Federico Gatti's powerful strike, was a even better stop. A quarter of an hour had passed. That said, quickly the Italians' momentum had faded as well. Madrid took control. Largely it was all a bit functional, however, and the top chances fell to the French midfielder, who is not Alonso’s striker of choice. A couple were headed over, a third one deflected wide; an additional chance with the head was missed by Militão.
Guler Shines
The best moments were provided by the young Turk. Güler, whose football was the closest there was to fluidity, was always involved. His clever control and spin saw him deliver to the far post for Bellingham.
Little was seen 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 the Juventus keeper, who would produce eight saves. Then some exquisite dribbling saw him turn the full-back repeatedly until he went down to the ground and set up Militão to fire over.
Second-Half Drama
The Brazilian threw himself to halt the runner at the start of the second half, and then came the regulation save from the keeper when unexpectedly the attacker was through. The “assist” had been remarkable, with Lloyd Kelly cutting out a pass inside his own penalty box and the ball deflecting from the inside of his boot right through the middle to past the halfway line. Racing after it, huge space appearing, the striker outpaced his marker, using his strength and advancing into the area where the keeper saved.
Next what tends to happen happened, the stop made good by the score that comes after it. A flash from the Brazilian winger created it, working himself enough space amid multiple defenders to unleash a low, left-footed shot which hit the post. Positioned in that striker’s role was the goalscorer. With the deadlock broken, Madrid should have finished it, the Frenchman stopped by Di Gregorio and Fede Valverde seeing his half-volley blocked by the defender. Subsequently the Juventus goalkeeper made a brilliant double stop from the forward and Brahim Díaz.
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 opened up and at the risk of Loïs Openda unmarked in the area. Finally in the final seconds Courtois flew in to deny Thuram, his job complete. For the visitors, there was no way back, Bellingham’s first of the campaign the last of the encounter.
“It’s a great feeling, a long time now since I’ve scored, a period out and dreaming of that instant, returning in the elite competition and against a big team. To score a winner, in our stadium, it’s incredible. I was at ease, really good. To play well was important and to net the match-winner helps the team greatly.”
Regarding his form, he added: “It wasn't that last year was a disaster, with fifteen strikes, fourteen setups, but I know 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 good moments but not the level I want to play at, not the caliber like the first year. Now I’ve had my shoulder surgery, a different coach, he’s got that system, how we intend to play…. You have to learn from it.”
