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While it wasn't a classic encounter, the roar from the Santiago Bernabéu was unmistakable. After a long wait, Jude Bellingham finally stood before the home supporters with his arms outstretched, basking in the fans' rendition of his anthem. Following a lengthy layoff and uncertainty about his position, he scored his first goal of the season, ultimately 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.

Decisive Stops Secure the Victory

Courtois understood better than anyone, having to save a one-on-one from Dušan Vlahović and make another decisive stop from the French midfielder in the final minute. This result puts Madrid on nine points and Igor Tudor’s team outside the qualifying spots. At the end of a match with plenty of attempts but little elegance, 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 makes for concerning reading.

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

The Turin-based club, who were without a victory since September, did cause Madrid problems at the beginning and once more near the end. Madrid commanded the ball, 66%-34%, but Juventus threatened on the break, particularly with Pierre Kalulu surging forward and Vlahović linking up, managing 12 shots compared to the home side's 27.

Promising Start for Away Side

The visitors began brightly, certainly. After just three minutes, they believed they were ahead, the forward somewhat unfortunate to be called for pulling 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 effort was deflected past the post.

Next, from the defender's drive, was a more impressive stop. A quarter of an hour had passed. That said, quickly the Italians' momentum had faded as well. Madrid took control. Mostly it was rather mechanical, though, and the top chances fell to the French midfielder, who is not the coach's preferred forward. A couple were headed over, a third one took a deflection; another headed opportunity was wasted by Militão.

Turkish Talent Impresses

Most creative play were provided by Arda Güler. The Turk, whose play was the closest there was to smooth attacking, was always involved. His neat stop and turn saw him clip to the far 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. First his attempt was denied by the Juventus keeper, who would produce several stops. Then some lovely fast footwork saw him turn Andrea Cambiaso twice until he went down to the ground and set up his teammate to fire over.

Second-Half Drama

Militão dived to stop the runner at the outset of the second half, and then came the customary Courtois rescue when unexpectedly Vlahović was away. The “inadvertent pass” had been remarkable, with the defender intercepting a ball inside his own penalty box and the ball bouncing from the inside of his foot right through the middle to beyond the center circle. Racing after it, huge space opening, the striker outpaced his marker, using his strength and advancing into the box where the keeper saved.

Then the usual pattern occurred, the save made good by the goal that comes after it. A flash from the Brazilian winger created it, working himself enough space amid four men to release a low, left-footed shot which struck the post. Positioned in that forward position was Bellingham. The breakthrough found, Madrid ought to have sealed the game, Mbappé denied by the keeper and Fede Valverde seeing his half-volley blocked by the defender. Subsequently Di Gregorio made a superb quick saves from Mbappé and the attacking midfielder.

It was not the only one: as the match was slipping away, the defender had to make a stunning sliding block as Madrid were exposed and at the mercy of Loïs Openda momentarily alone in the penalty box. Then in the dying moments the Madrid keeper dived to deny Thuram, his work done. For the visitors, there was no route to a comeback, the opening goal of the campaign the last of the match.

“It’s a great feeling, a while now since I’ve found the net, a period out and dreaming of that instant, returning in the Champions League and against a major opponent. To score a winner, in our stadium, it’s incredible. I was at ease, excellent. To play well was crucial and to net the match-winner benefits the team greatly.”

As for his form, he added: “I didn’t think last year was a failure, still 15 goals, 14 assists, but I understand the perception 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 level like the debut season. Now I’ve had my shoulder surgery, a new manager, he’s got that system, how we want to play…. You have to take lessons.”