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While it wasn't a classic encounter, the chanting from the Santiago Bernabéu was familiar. After a long wait, Jude Bellingham once again found himself before the home supporters with his arms wide open, listening to the crowd's rendition of Hey Jude. Following a lengthy layoff and questions about his role, he scored his opening strike of the season, ultimately securing a narrow win for Real Madrid over a Juventus side that made them work hard. “It was a tough battle,” commented Thibaut Courtois.

Key Saves Secure the Victory

Courtois understood perfectly well, having to rescue a clear chance from the Serbian striker and make another crucial save from the French midfielder in the final minute. This result puts Madrid on a strong tally and Igor Tudor’s team below the cut. At the end of a match with plenty of attempts but little elegance, the visiting coach may consider a promising opening, with those saves representing a wasted moment around the 85-minute mark; their current situation however makes for concerning reading.

“A side from Italy in difficulty is doubly threatening,” the Madrid coach had warned beforehand.

The Turin-based club, who hadn’t won since September, did cause Madrid problems at the beginning and once more near the conclusion. Madrid commanded possession, with a significant advantage, but Juventus threatened on the break, especially with the French defender running and Vlahović combining, firing off 12 shots compared to the home side's 27.

Promising Start for Visitors

They had started well, without a doubt. Within three minutes, they thought they were in front, Vlahović a little unfortunate to be called for holding the Brazilian defender. Shortly after, the Madrid defender had to intervene in front of him when the wing-back broke free on the right flank. Then soon after, Weston McKennie's effort was deflected wide.

Next, from Federico Gatti's drive, was a more impressive stop. Fifteen minutes had passed. That said, quickly the visitors' impetus had faded as well. Madrid assumed command. Largely it was all a bit functional, though, and the top chances came to the French midfielder, who wouldn’t be Alonso’s striker of choice. Two were off target, a third one deflected wide; another chance with the head was wasted by the center-back.

Turkish Talent Impresses

Most creative play were provided by Arda Güler. The Turk, whose football was the nearest thing there was to smooth attacking, was constantly in the action. His clever control and spin saw him deliver to the back post for Bellingham.

There was not much sign of Kylian Mbappé early on, but when he did appear it was the nearest Madrid got to a goal. Initially his attempt was stopped by Michele Di Gregorio, who would produce eight saves. Then some exquisite dribbling saw him evade the full-back twice until he went down to the ground and set up Militão to fire over.

Late Tension

The Brazilian threw himself to stop the runner at the start of the second half, and then came the customary save from the keeper when unexpectedly Vlahović was away. The “inadvertent pass” had been quite something, with the defender cutting out a ball inside his own area and the ball deflecting from the instep of his boot right through the center to past the halfway line. Racing after it, huge space opening, Vlahović outpaced Militão, using his strength and heading into the area where the keeper made the stop.

Then the usual pattern occurred, the save made good by the goal that comes after it. A flash from Vinícius Júnior created it, working himself enough room amid multiple defenders to unleash a low, left-footed shot which hit the post. Lurking in that striker’s role was the goalscorer. With the deadlock broken, Madrid should have finished it, the Frenchman stopped by the keeper and the Uruguayan seeing his volley blocked by the defender. Then Di Gregorio made a superb quick saves from the forward and Brahim Díaz.

There were more scares: as the game was drawing to a close, Raúl Asencio had to make a incredible last-ditch tackle as Madrid were exposed and at the mercy of the substitute unmarked in the area. Then in the dying moments Courtois flew in to deny Thuram, his work done. For Juve, there was no way back, the opening goal of the season the final of the match.

“I'm overjoyed, a long time now since I’ve scored, a period out and thinking of that moment, returning in the elite competition and against a big team. To score a winner, here at home, it’s unbelievable. I felt comfortable, excellent. To play well was crucial and to net the match-winner benefits the team a lot.”

Regarding his performance, he added: “I didn’t think last year was a disaster, still 15 goals, fourteen setups, but I know the perception was that it was poorer. 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 want to play at, not the level like the first year. Now I’ve had my operation, a different coach, he’s got that system, how we want to play…. You have to take lessons.”