While it wasn't 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 home supporters with his arms outstretched, basking in the crowd's singing of Hey Jude. Following a lengthy layoff and uncertainty about his position, he scored his first goal of the season, eventually delivering a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Italian opponent that made them work hard. “It was a tough battle,” stated the Belgian goalkeeper.
Key Saves Ensure the Victory
Courtois knew perfectly well, having to save a clear chance from the Serbian striker and produce another crucial stop from Khéphren Thuram in the dying moments. This result puts Madrid on nine points and the opposition team outside the qualifying spots. After a match with more shots than fluid football, the Juventus manager may reflect on a promising opening, with those opportunities representing a missed chance around the 85-minute mark; the team's reality however makes for concerning reading.
“A side from Italy in difficulty is doubly threatening,” the Madrid coach had warned beforehand.
Juventus, which were without a victory since last month, posed Madrid issues at the start and once more near the conclusion. Madrid commanded the ball, 66%-34%, but Juventus threatened on the counter, especially with the French defender running and Vlahović combining, firing off 12 shots compared to the home side's 27.
Strong Opening for Away Side
They had started well, certainly. Within three minutes, they believed they were in front, Vlahović somewhat unfortunate to be called for holding Éder Militão. Shortly after, the Madrid defender had to intervene ahead of Vlahović when Kalulu broke free on the right flank. And three minutes after that, Weston McKennie's shot was pushed wide.
What followed, from Federico Gatti's powerful strike, was a even better stop. A quarter of an hour had gone. However, soon the Italians' momentum had dissipated too. Madrid assumed command. Largely it was all a bit functional, however, and the top chances fell to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who wouldn’t be Alonso’s striker of choice. A couple were off target, a third deflected wide; an additional headed opportunity was wasted by Militão.
Turkish Talent Impresses
Most creative play came from the young Turk. The Turk, whose play was the closest there was to fluidity, was always involved. His neat stop and turn saw him clip to the back post for Bellingham.
Little was seen of Kylian Mbappé early on, but when he finally emerged it was the closest Madrid got to scoring. First his attempt was stopped by Michele Di Gregorio, who would produce eight saves. Next some lovely fast footwork saw him evade Andrea Cambiaso twice until he went down to the turf and set up his teammate to fire over.
Second-Half Drama
The Brazilian dived to stop the runner at the start of the second period, and then came the customary Courtois rescue when suddenly Vlahović was through. The “assist” had been quite something, with Lloyd Kelly cutting out a pass inside his own area and the sphere deflecting from the inside of his foot directly through the center to beyond the halfway line. Racing after it, ample room appearing, the striker raced his marker, holding him off and heading into the area where the keeper made the stop.
Then what tends to happen occurred, the stop compensated for by the goal that follows it. A flash from Vinícius Júnior set up it, working himself enough space amid four men to release a driven effort which hit the post. Lurking in that forward position was the goalscorer. With the deadlock broken, Madrid should have finished it, Mbappé stopped by the keeper and the Uruguayan seeing his half-volley blocked by Gatti. Then the Juventus goalkeeper made a superb quick saves from Mbappé and Brahim Díaz.
There were more scares: as the match was slipping away, the defender had to make a incredible last-ditch tackle as Madrid were exposed and at the mercy of the substitute momentarily alone in the penalty box. Then in the final seconds the Madrid keeper dived to deny Thuram, his job done. For the visitors, there was no route to a comeback, the opening goal of the season the last of the encounter.
“It’s a great feeling, a while now since I’ve found the net, a lot of time out and thinking of that moment, back in the Champions League and against a major opponent. To get the decisive goal, here at home, it’s incredible. I was at ease, really good. To perform was crucial and to net the match-winner benefits the team a lot.”
As for his performance, he continued: “I didn’t think last year was a disaster, still 15 goals, 14 assists, but I understand the general feeling was that it was worse. But I was a part of that, how we underperformed 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 new manager, he’s got that system, how we intend to play…. You have to learn from it.”
