Real Madrid defeated Juventus 1-0 on Wednesday, allowing the 15-time winners to continue their undefeated winners League start thanks to a goal from Jude Bellingham. After England international Bellingham scored from close range in the second half, Xabi Alonso’s Spanish powerhouses were unable to increase their lead despite dominating their visitors for the most part.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, Italian powerhouse Juventus, who had lost seven straight games in all competitions, fought valiantly but were unable to produce an equalizer.
Along with holders Paris Saint-Germain, Madrid is now one of five teams to win all three of their initial league phase games, and their decisive victory was ideal preparation for Sunday’s Clasico against rivals Barcelona in La Liga.
After making his 300th appearance for Madrid, goalie Thibaut Courtois told Movistar, “It was a very tough game with chances at both ends and we had to sweat for it, but it was an important win against a big team.”
In the first half, both teams remained cautious, but Alonso’s team eventually started to gain the upper hand.
French sensation Kylian Mbappe was in form when Brahim Diaz flicked the ball to him, but Michele Di Gregorio tipped away his attempt.
After breaking into the box with a brilliant dribble from the right, the striker cut the ball back to Eder Militao, who missed by narrowly shooting over the bar.
The game opened up after the half, but that was the closest either team got in the first half.
After a quick counterattack, Courtois made a vital save with his leg to deny Dusan Vlahovic.
Vinicius Junior, who hasn’t scored in the Champions League this season, put Madrid ahead after some excellent play.
Despite having defenders all around him, the Brazilian was able to open up space for a shot, which he curled against the post.
After 57 minutes, Bellingham, an attacking midfielder, displayed his poacher’s instinct to act fast and score the rebound.
After a sluggish start to the season due to shoulder surgery in the summer to address a chronic issue, the 22-year-old scored his first goal of the year in his seventh game.
“I’ve been out for a long time and I was dreaming of that moment, so it’s a great feeling,” Bellingham told CBS Sports.
“To be honest, I felt really good, really at ease, and really enjoyed myself.”
His effort and his first goal at the Bernabeu since April also pleased Bellingham’s coach, Alonso.
The Basque coach told Movistar, “I’m very happy for Jude; he needed a good game after the injury.”
“He played really well, winning a lot of balls in midfield, aside from the goal. I’m pleased for everyone, but Jude most of all.”
As Madrid looked for a second goal, Mbappe, who had scored in his previous 11 club and national games, slid as he shot and Di Gregorio saved his low attempt.
The Italian goalie gave his squad a chance to secure a draw with a spectacular double save against Mbappe and Diaz.
As time ran out, Raul Asencio dove in to stop Lois Openda’s shot after Juventus had created one excellent opportunity.
As he attempted to continue his goal-scoring run, Mbappe had one more long-range attempt stopped, but Di Gregorio equaled it.
Aurelien Tchouameni, a midfielder for Real Madrid, stated, “We’ve started this group phase in the best way possible.”
Igor Tudor’s Juventus, on the other hand, have lost all three of their Champions League games.
“We must have faith in this team because we are headed in the right direction, despite our strengths and weaknesses,” Tudor stated. “We were hungry, but because we were running so much, we weren’t very sharp, and many of us weren’t used to playing at this level.”
