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While it wasn't a classic encounter, the roar from the Madrid's home stadium was unmistakable. Having been absent for some time, Jude Bellingham finally found himself before the south end with his arms outstretched, listening to the fans' singing of his anthem. Following a shoulder injury and questions about his position, he netted his first goal of the season, ultimately delivering a narrow win for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that put up a fight. “We had to sweat for it,” stated the Belgian goalkeeper.

Decisive Stops Secure the Victory

The shot-stopper understood better than anyone, having to save a one-on-one from the Serbian striker and make another crucial save from Khéphren Thuram in the final minute. The win puts Madrid on nine points and Igor Tudor’s team below the cut. At the end of a match with more shots than fluid football, the Juventus manager may reflect on a decent start, with those opportunities representing a wasted moment around the closing stages; the team's reality however presents concerning reading.

“A side from Italy in difficulty is twice as dangerous,” the Madrid coach had warned in advance.

The Turin-based club, who hadn’t won since last month, posed Madrid problems at the beginning and once more near the end. Madrid dominated possession, 66%-34%, but Juventus threatened on the break, especially with the French defender surging forward and the striker combining, managing 12 shots compared to the home side's 27.

Strong Opening for Visitors

The visitors began brightly, certainly. Within three minutes, they believed they were ahead, Vlahović somewhat unlucky to be called for pulling Éder Militão. Three minutes later, Raúl Asencio had to slide in front of him when the wing-back broke free on the right flank. Then soon after, Weston McKennie's effort was deflected past the post.

What followed, from the defender's drive, was a even better save. Fifteen minutes had gone. That said, quickly the Italians' momentum had dissipated too. Madrid assumed command. Largely it was all a bit functional, though, and the top chances fell to the French midfielder, who wouldn’t be Alonso’s striker of choice. A couple were off target, a third deflected wide; another headed opportunity was missed by the center-back.

Guler Shines

The best moments came from Arda Güler. Güler, whose play was the closest there was to fluidity, was always involved. His neat stop and turn saw him deliver to the back post for the Englishman.

Little was seen of the French superstar early on, but when he finally emerged it was the closest Madrid came to scoring. Initially his shot was denied by Michele Di Gregorio, who would make several stops. Then some lovely fast footwork saw him turn Andrea Cambiaso repeatedly until he went down to the turf and set up Militão to blast over.

Second-Half Drama

Militão dived to halt the runner at the start of the second period, and then came the regulation Courtois rescue when suddenly the attacker was away. The “assist” had been remarkable, with the defender cutting out a pass inside his own area and the sphere deflecting from the instep of his foot directly through the center to beyond the center circle. Sprinting after it, ample room appearing, the striker outpaced Militão, holding him off and advancing into the area where Courtois saved.

Next the usual pattern happened, the save made good by the score that comes after it. A burst from the Brazilian winger set up it, creating enough space amid four men to release a driven effort which struck the upright. Positioned in that striker’s role was Bellingham. With the deadlock broken, Madrid ought to have sealed the game, Mbappé stopped by Di Gregorio and the Uruguayan seeing his half-volley blocked by Gatti. Then the Juventus goalkeeper made a brilliant double stop from Mbappé and the attacking midfielder.

It was not the only one: as the match was drawing to a close, the defender had to make a incredible last-ditch tackle as Madrid were opened up and at the mercy of the substitute unmarked in the penalty box. Then in the final seconds Courtois dived to stop Thuram, his job complete. For the visitors, there was no way back, the opening goal of the season the final of the match.

“It’s a great feeling, a while now since I’ve scored, a period out and thinking of that instant, back in the Champions League and against a big team. To get the decisive goal, in our stadium, it’s unbelievable. I was at ease, excellent. To perform was important and to score the winning goal helps the team greatly.”

As for his form, he continued: “It wasn't that last year was a disaster, with 15 goals, 14 assists, but I understand the perception was that it was worse. But I was a contributor to that, how we didn’t play as well last year, there were nonetheless good moments but not the level I aim to play at, not the level like the debut season. Now I’ve had my shoulder surgery, a different coach, he’s got that system, how we intend to play…. You have to take lessons.”