Jude Bellingham pounces to fire Real Madrid to narrow win over Juventus
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Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring against Juventus in the Champions League.
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MADRID – Jude Bellingham scored his first goal since June as Real Madrid saw off a dogged Juventus to maintain their 100 per cent record in this season’s Champions League on Oct 22 with a 1-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The goal was created by Vinicius Jr, who in the 57th minute took on three Juventus players and made space to shoot. His attempt rebounded off the post for Bellingham to slot home his first goal of the season since returning from shoulder surgery.
“It’s a great feeling, a long time since I’ve scored, a lot of time out and I was dreaming of that moment,” Bellingham told CBS Sports.
“I felt really comfortable, really good and really enjoyed myself to be honest.”
Coach Xabi Alonso was also delighted with his performance and his first goal at the Bernabeu since April.
“I’m very happy for Jude. After the injury, he needed a good game,” he told Movistar. “Aside from the goal, he played very well. He won a lot of balls in midfield. I’m happy for everyone, but above all Jude.”
After a sluggish first half, the game came alive in the second half with play swinging from one end to the other. Juventus were cautious, defending with five across the back and looking for counter-attacks.
Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had to make several saves, but as the game progressed, Real took control and had 27 shots by the end.
“A very tough, hard-fought match. Chances at both ends. An important win against another big team. Nine out of nine. Now we’re off to Anfield,” Courtois told Movistar Plus.
Juve goalkeeper Michele di Gregorio made three spectacular saves, keeping out two attempts by Kylian Mbappe and one from Brahim Diaz to keep the scoreline tight.
It was the first time Mbappe failed to score since late August. He was on an 11-game streak of scoring in every match he had played for Real and France.
Juve, who along with Ajax Amsterdam hold the record for the most wins against Real at the Bernabeu in European Cup games, are winless since Sept 13 and have gone seven consecutive matches without victory in all competitions.
They have secured just two points from three Champions League games while Real have nine points.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t get a point, because we deserved at least one goal,” said Juve coach Igor Tudor.
“The lads are disappointed. We had a good approach and the desire to go for it, then it was right to suffer. It’s a shame we didn’t put the ball in the net.” REUTERS, AFP
