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While it wasn't a classic encounter, the roar from the Santiago Bernabéu was familiar. After a long wait, Jude Bellingham finally found himself before the south end with his arms outstretched, listening to the crowd's singing of his anthem. After a shoulder injury and questions about his role, he scored his opening strike of the season, ultimately securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over a Italian opponent that made them work hard. “It was a tough battle,” commented the Belgian goalkeeper.

Key Saves Ensure the Victory

The shot-stopper knew better than anyone, having to save a one-on-one from the Serbian striker and produce another crucial stop from Khéphren Thuram in the final minute. The win leaves Madrid on a strong tally and the opposition team below the cut. At the end of a game with plenty of attempts but little elegance, the visiting coach may reflect on a decent start, with those opportunities representing a missed chance around the closing stages; their current situation though presents concerning reading.

“An Italian team in difficulty is doubly threatening,” the Madrid coach had remarked beforehand.

Juventus, which hadn’t won since September, posed Madrid problems at the beginning and again near the end. Madrid dominated possession, 66%-34%, but Juventus were dangerous on the break, especially with the French defender surging forward and Vlahović linking up, managing 12 shots compared to the hosts' 27.

Strong Opening for Visitors

The visitors began brightly, certainly. After just three minutes, they believed they were in front, Vlahović somewhat unlucky to be called for pulling Éder Militão. Shortly after, Raúl Asencio had to slide in front of Vlahović when Kalulu dashed clear on the right flank. Then soon after, the American midfielder's effort was pushed wide.

What followed, from Federico Gatti's drive, was a even better save. A quarter of an hour had gone. That said, quickly the Italians' momentum had faded as well. Madrid assumed command. Mostly it was all a bit functional, though, and the three best opportunities fell to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is not the coach's preferred forward. Two were off target, a third deflected wide; another chance with the head was missed by the center-back.

Turkish Talent Impresses

Most creative play were provided by the young Turk. The Turk, whose football was the nearest thing there was to smooth attacking, was always involved. His clever control and spin saw him clip to the far post for Bellingham.

There was not much sign of the French superstar early on, but when he finally emerged it was the closest Madrid came to a goal. First his attempt was stopped by Michele Di Gregorio, who would make eight saves. Then some exquisite dribbling saw him turn the full-back repeatedly until he tumbled to the ground and laid off to his teammate to fire over.

Second-Half Drama

The Brazilian threw himself to stop Kalulu at the outset of the second period, and then came the customary Courtois rescue when suddenly the attacker was through. The “assist” had been remarkable, with Lloyd Kelly intercepting a ball inside his own penalty box and the ball deflecting from the instep of his foot directly through the center to beyond the center circle. Sprinting after it, ample room opening, Vlahović raced Militão, using his strength and advancing into the area where Courtois saved.

Next what tends to happen occurred, the stop compensated for by the goal that follows it. A burst from the Brazilian winger set up it, working himself enough room amid multiple defenders to unleash a driven effort which hit the post. Positioned in that forward position was Bellingham. The breakthrough found, Madrid should have finished it, the Frenchman denied by the keeper and Fede Valverde seeing his volley blocked by the defender. Then the Juventus goalkeeper made a superb quick saves from Mbappé and the attacking midfielder.

There were more scares: as the match was slipping away, Raúl Asencio had to make a stunning sliding block as Madrid were exposed and at the mercy of Loïs Openda momentarily alone in the penalty box. Finally in the dying moments Courtois dived to deny the midfielder, his work done. For the visitors, there was no way back, the opening goal of the season the last of the encounter.

“I'm overjoyed, a while now since I’ve scored, a period out and thinking of that instant, back in the elite competition and against a major opponent. To score a winner, here at home, it’s unbelievable. I felt comfortable, really good. To play well was crucial 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 15 goals, 14 assists, but I know the general feeling was that it was worse. But I was a part of that, how we underperformed last year, there were still 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 new manager, he’s got that system, how we intend to play…. You have to take lessons.”