Jude Bellingham marked his long awaited return to form with a decisive strike as Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 win over Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu, maintaining their perfect start to the Champions League group stage.
The England midfielder, who had endured a stop start campaign following shoulder surgery in the summer, finally found the net for the first time this season in his seventh appearance. It was a goal born from persistence and instinct two of the qualities that have made the 22-years-old a fan favorite in Madrid.
Real, guided by Xavi Alonso, dominated possession but struggled to convert their superiority into goals. Juventus, under Igor Tudor, arrived winless in their last six matches across all competitions but showed early promise forcing Thibaut Courtois into several sharp saves. The Belgian goalkeeper, making his 300th appearance for Los Blankos, was in inspired form, keeping out efforts from Dusan Vlahovic and Filip Kostic in either half.
Madrid, meanwhile, created a barrage of changes in the first period but was repeatedly denied by Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Kylian Mbappe, chasing a record equaling 12th consecutive goal scoring game, was particularly lively but found Di Gregorio in an unbeatable mood.
The breakthrough finally came in the 57th minute. Vinicius Junior, dazzling as ever, danced past four Juventus defenders and struck a curling shot that cannoned off the post. Bellingham reached quickest to stab home the rebound, sending the Bernabéu crowd into raptures as chants of “Hey Jude”echoed around the stands.
Despite the lead, Madrid was made to work until the final whistle.Di Gregorio produced a stunning double save to deny Mbappe and Brahim Diaz late on, while Courtois was again called into action to thwart Khephren Thurman in stoppage time. Juventus fought valiantly but lacked the cutting edge to turn possession into goals, extending their winless European run.
For Real Madrid,it was a win that spoke more of resilience than brilliance. Alonso’s men have now won all three of their group-stage matches and are one of just five teams with a 100% record in this season’s competition. The result also served as ideal preparation for their upcoming La Liga showdown against Barcelona.
Speaking after the match, Bellingham expressed his delight: “it’s a great feeling. It’s been a long time since I’ve scored, and to do it here, in front of our fans, against a big team like Juventus, is unbelievable. I’ve been dreaming of that moment.”
With Bellingham back on the scoresheet and Courtois continuing to deliver world-class performances, Real Madrid look well poised for another deep Champions League run their 16th title pursuit very much alive.
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