While it wasn't a match for the ages, the roar from the Santiago Bernabéu was familiar. Having been absent for some time, Jude Bellingham once again stood before the home supporters with his arms wide open, listening to the fans' singing of Hey Jude. Following a lengthy layoff and questions about his role, he netted his opening strike of the season, eventually delivering a narrow win for Real Madrid over a Italian opponent that put up a fight. “It was a tough battle,” stated the Belgian goalkeeper.
Decisive Stops Secure the Win
Courtois understood better than anyone, having to save a clear chance from Dušan Vlahović and make another crucial save from the French midfielder in the final minute. The win puts Madrid on a strong tally and Igor Tudor’s team outside the qualifying spots. At the end of a match with more shots than fluid football, the visiting coach may consider a decent start, with those saves representing a wasted moment around the 85-minute mark; their current situation though makes for concerning reading.
“An Italian team in trouble is doubly threatening,” Xabi Alonso had remarked beforehand.
Juventus, which were without a victory since September, did cause Madrid problems at the start and again near the conclusion. Madrid commanded possession, 66%-34%, but Juventus were dangerous on the break, particularly with Pierre Kalulu surging forward and Vlahović combining, managing 12 shots compared to the home side's 27.
Promising Start for Away Side
The visitors began brightly, without a doubt. After just three minutes, they believed they were in front, Vlahović somewhat unlucky to be called for holding the Brazilian defender. Shortly after, the Madrid defender had to intervene ahead of him when the wing-back dashed clear on the right flank. Then soon after, Weston McKennie's shot was deflected past the post.
What followed, from the defender's drive, was a even better save. Fifteen minutes had passed. That said, quickly the visitors' impetus had faded as well. Madrid assumed command. Mostly it was all a bit functional, however, and the three best opportunities came to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is not Alonso’s striker of choice. A couple were headed over, a third one deflected wide; an additional headed opportunity was wasted by Militão.
Turkish Talent Impresses
The best moments came from the young Turk. Güler, whose play 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.
There was not much sign of the French superstar yet, 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 eight saves. Next some lovely fast footwork saw him turn the full-back twice until he went down to the ground and set up his teammate to blast over.
Second-Half Drama
Militão dived to halt Kalulu at the outset of the second period, and then came the regulation save from the keeper when suddenly Vlahović was away. The “assist” had been remarkable, with the defender intercepting a pass inside his own area and the ball bouncing from the inside of his boot right through the middle to past the halfway line. Racing after it, huge space opening, Vlahović raced Militão, using his strength and advancing into the area where Courtois saved.
Next what tends to happen occurred, the stop made good by the goal that follows it. A flash from Vinícius Júnior created it, creating enough space amid four men to unleash a low, left-footed shot which struck the upright. Positioned in that forward position was Bellingham. The breakthrough found, Madrid ought to have sealed the game, the Frenchman 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 the attacking midfielder.
There were more scares: as the game was drawing to a close, the defender had to make a incredible last-ditch tackle as Madrid were exposed and at the mercy of Loïs Openda unmarked in the area. Then in the dying moments Courtois flew in to deny the midfielder, his work complete. For the visitors, there was no way back, Bellingham’s first of the season the final of the encounter.
“I'm overjoyed, a while now since I’ve found the net, a lot of time out and dreaming of that instant, back 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 play well was important and to score the winning goal benefits the team a lot.”
Regarding his form, he added: “It wasn't that last year was a failure, still 15 goals, 14 assists, but I understand the general feeling was that it was poorer. But I was a part of that, how we underperformed last year, there were still positive spells but not the standard I want to play at, not the caliber like the debut season. Now I’ve had my operation, a new manager, he’s got that shape, how we intend to play…. You have to learn from it.”
