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While it wasn't a classic encounter, the chanting from the Madrid's home stadium was familiar. After a long wait, Jude Bellingham once again stood before the south end with his arms outstretched, basking in the fans' singing of Hey Jude. Following a shoulder injury and questions about his position, he netted his first goal of the campaign, ultimately delivering a narrow win for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that put up a fight. “We had to sweat for it,” commented Thibaut Courtois.

Decisive Stops Secure the Win

The shot-stopper knew better than anyone, having to rescue a one-on-one from Dušan Vlahović and make another crucial save from the French midfielder in the final minute. The win puts Madrid on nine points and the opposition team outside the qualifying spots. After a match with more shots than fluid football, the Juventus manager may reflect on a promising opening, with those opportunities representing a wasted moment around the closing stages; the team's reality though makes for worrying statistics.

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

The Turin-based club, who were without a victory since last month, did cause Madrid issues at the beginning and once more near the end. Madrid dominated the ball, 66%-34%, but Juventus were dangerous on the break, particularly with the French defender running and the striker combining, managing a dozen attempts compared to the hosts' twenty-seven.

Strong Opening for Visitors

They had started well, without a doubt. Within three minutes, they believed they were in front, the forward a little unfortunate to be called for holding the Brazilian defender. Three minutes later, Raúl Asencio had to slide in front of Vlahović when the wing-back dashed clear on the right flank. And three minutes after that, the American midfielder's shot was deflected wide.

Next, from Federico Gatti's drive, was a more impressive save. A quarter of an hour had passed. However, quickly the visitors' impetus had dissipated as well. Madrid took control. Largely it was all a bit functional, though, and the three best opportunities came to Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is not the coach's preferred forward. Two were headed over, a third took a deflection; an additional chance with the head was wasted by the center-back.

Turkish Talent Impresses

The best moments came from Arda Güler. The Turk, whose football was the nearest thing there was to fluidity, was always involved. His neat stop and turn saw him clip to the far post for the Englishman.

There was not much sign of the French superstar early on, but when he finally emerged it was the closest Madrid got to a goal. Initially his shot was stopped by Michele Di Gregorio, who would produce eight saves. Then some lovely fast footwork saw him turn the full-back repeatedly until he went down to the turf and set up his teammate to blast over.

Second-Half Drama

The Brazilian dived to halt Kalulu at the start of the second period, and then came the customary save from the keeper when unexpectedly the attacker was through. The “assist” had been remarkable, with Lloyd Kelly cutting out a ball inside his own penalty box and the sphere deflecting from the inside of his foot right through the center to past the center circle. Sprinting after it, ample room opening, the striker outpaced his marker, holding him off and advancing into the box where the keeper made the stop.

Next the usual pattern happened, the save made good by the goal that comes after it. A flash from Vinícius Júnior created it, working himself enough space amid multiple defenders to release a low, left-footed shot which struck the post. Positioned in that striker’s role was the goalscorer. With the deadlock broken, Madrid ought to have sealed the game, Mbappé stopped by Di Gregorio and the Uruguayan seeing his volley deflected by the defender. 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, Raúl Asencio had to make a incredible last-ditch tackle as Madrid were opened up and at the mercy of the substitute unmarked in the area. Then in the final seconds the Madrid keeper dived to stop the midfielder, his work complete. For Juve, there was no route to a comeback, the opening goal of the season the last of the encounter.

“I'm overjoyed, a long time now since I’ve found the net, a period out and thinking of that instant, returning in the Champions League and against a major opponent. To get the decisive goal, here at home, it’s unbelievable. I felt comfortable, excellent. To perform was important and to score the winning goal benefits the team greatly.”

Regarding his performance, he added: “It wasn't that last year was a disaster, with 15 goals, fourteen setups, but I understand the general feeling was that it was worse. But I was a contributor to that, how we didn’t play as well last year, there were still 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 new manager, he’s got that system, how we intend to play…. You have to take lessons.”