While it wasn't a classic encounter, the chanting from the Madrid's home stadium was unmistakable. Having been absent for some time, Jude Bellingham finally stood before the south end with his arms outstretched, basking in the fans' rendition of his anthem. After a shoulder injury and uncertainty about his role, he scored his opening strike of the season, eventually securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that made them work hard. “We had to sweat for it,” commented the Belgian goalkeeper.
Decisive Stops Secure the Victory
The shot-stopper knew better than anyone, having to rescue a one-on-one from Dušan Vlahović and produce another decisive save from the French midfielder in the final minute. This result 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 reflect on a decent start, with those saves representing a wasted moment around the closing stages; their current situation however makes for concerning reading.
“An Italian team in difficulty is doubly threatening,” Xabi Alonso had warned in advance.
Juventus, who hadn’t won since September, posed Madrid problems at the beginning and once more near the end. Madrid dominated possession, 66%-34%, but Juventus were dangerous on the break, particularly with Pierre Kalulu surging forward and the striker combining, firing off 12 shots compared to the home side's 27.
Promising Start for Visitors
The visitors began brightly, without a doubt. After just three minutes, they thought they were ahead, Vlahović a little unlucky to be called for holding Éder Militão. Shortly after, Raúl Asencio had to slide in front of him when Kalulu dashed clear on the right flank. And soon after, Weston McKennie's effort was pushed past the post.
What followed, from Federico Gatti's drive, was a more impressive stop. Fifteen minutes had gone. However, soon the Italians' momentum had dissipated as well. Madrid took control. Largely it was all a bit functional, however, and the top chances came to the French midfielder, who is not Alonso’s striker of choice. A couple were off target, a third one took a deflection; another headed opportunity was missed by the center-back.
Turkish Talent Impresses
Most creative play were provided by Arda Güler. The Turk, whose football was the nearest thing there was to fluidity, was constantly in the action. His clever control and spin saw him clip to the far post for Bellingham.
Little was seen of Kylian Mbappé early on, but when he finally emerged it was the nearest Madrid came to a goal. First his shot was stopped by Michele Di Gregorio, who would make eight saves. Next some lovely fast footwork saw him evade Andrea Cambiaso twice until he tumbled to the ground and set up his teammate to blast over.
Late Tension
The Brazilian threw himself to halt the runner at the outset of the second period, and then came the regulation Courtois rescue when suddenly Vlahović was through. The “inadvertent pass” had been remarkable, with the defender cutting out a ball inside his own penalty box and the ball deflecting from the instep of his boot directly through the center to past the center circle. Racing after it, ample room opening, Vlahović raced his marker, holding him off and heading into the area where the keeper saved.
Next the usual pattern occurred, the stop made good by the score that follows it. A flash from the Brazilian winger set up it, working himself enough room amid four men to release a driven effort which struck the post. Positioned 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 brilliant double stop 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 exposed and at the risk of Loïs Openda unmarked in the penalty box. Then in the final seconds the Madrid keeper flew in to stop Thuram, his job done. For the visitors, there was no way back, the opening goal of the campaign the final of the encounter.
“I'm overjoyed, a long time now since I’ve found the net, a period out and thinking of that moment, returning in the elite competition and against a major opponent. To get the decisive goal, here at home, it’s incredible. I was at ease, excellent. To perform was crucial and to score the winning goal benefits the team a lot.”
As for his performance, he continued: “I didn’t think last year was a disaster, with fifteen strikes, fourteen setups, but I know the perception was that it was poorer. But I was a contributor to that, how we underperformed last year, there were still positive spells but not the standard I aim to play at, not the level like the first year. Now I’ve had my operation, a different coach, he’s got that system, how we want to play…. You have to learn from it.”
