October 23, (THEWILL) — Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Juventus at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, though Xabi Alonso’s side struggled to find their rhythm throughout much of the contest. Jude Bellingham scored the only goal on his first European start of the season, earning Madrid a third consecutive win for the Spanish giants.
The hosts dominated possession in the opening period but could not break through a stubborn Juventus defence. Brahim Diaz, Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler all forced saves from Michele Di Gregorio, whilst Eder Militao sent a curling effort just over the bar. The visiting goalkeeper produced his finest moment before half-time, using his shoulder and face to block Kylian Mbappe’s powerful left-footed strike.
Juventus ought to have taken the lead early in the second half when Dusan Vlahovic found himself clean through, only for Thibaut Courtois to rush out and deny the striker in a one-on-one situation. That profligacy proved costly in the 57th minute when Bellingham converted the rebound after Vinicius Junior’s shot cannoned off Di Gregorio’s left-hand upright.
Madrid pushed for a second goal but were twice thwarted by Di Gregorio, who saved well from Mbappe before Diaz saw his attempt cleared off the line. Juventus offered little in response, with only Filip Kostic’s late drive comfortably held by Courtois, threatening the home goal. Igor Tudor’s team have now failed to win any of their opening three matches in the competition.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
