Bellingham strikes as Real Madrid maintain perfect UCL start against Juventus | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham’s first goal of the season proved decisive as Real Madrid edged past Juventus 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in a hard-fought Champions League encounter that was more workmanlike than glamorous.

The England midfielder, returning to full fitness after a shoulder injury, was the match-winner on a night when Madrid’s dominance in possession was not always matched by cutting edge.

His 56th-minute strike ensured the Spanish giants maintained their perfect European start, while Juventus’ struggles deepened as they remained winless in the competition.

Juventus made the brighter start and could have taken an early lead. Thibaut Courtois was called into action twice in the opening stages, first pushing away a low drive from Weston McKennie before producing a fine save to deny Federico Gatti.

The visitors’ 5-3-2 setup caused Madrid brief discomfort as Dusan Vlahovic’s physical presence unsettled the back line. Madrid gradually imposed themselves and began to probe through Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler, though most of their first-half efforts lacked conviction.

Aurelien Tchouameni headed two corners over the bar, and Eder Militao also spurned a half-chance, as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior struggled to find their rhythm.

The Frenchman went closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time, forcing Michele Di Gregorio into a smart save from the edge of the box after linking up neatly with Diaz.

Despite 70% possession and 14 first-half shots, Madrid were frustrated by Juve’s compact defence and willingness to counter.

After the break, Courtois once again kept Madrid level, blocking Vlahovic’s angled shot after the Serbian striker had raced clear on goal. It proved a crucial moment.

Moments later, Vinicius Junior carved through the Juventus defence with trademark agility, his low shot rebounding off the post for Bellingham to sweep home from close range.

The goal sparked relief around the Bernabeu and a familiar chorus of “Hey Jude” as the 22-year-old celebrated his first goal since the Club World Cup.

Madrid pressed for a second, with Mbappe and Federico Valverde both denied by fine saves from Di Gregorio, while Vinicius was thwarted twice in quick succession as the hosts pushed to seal the result.

Juventus, though largely subdued, nearly snatched an equaliser late on when Khephren Thuram’s effort was superbly stopped by Courtois. It was not a vintage display from Madrid, but it was enough to make it three wins from three in the group.

Juventus, now sitting in the bottom half of the standings, will need a swift turnaround to avoid an early exit.

For Bellingham and Madrid, it was a timely return to form and another reminder of their resilience under pressure.