Real Madrid vs Juventus: Bellingham heroics helps Los Blancos beat Old Lady

Jude Bellingham's second-half strike was enough, as Real Madrid beat Juventus to maintain their 100% start to the Champions League season.

Real Madrid hosted Juventus in front of a sold-out Bernabéu crowd in their matchday three fixture in this season's UEFA Champions League group phase. Real Madrid dominated possession but only managed to score once. However, it was enough to secure victory. 

Real Madrid began brightly, controlling territory and rhythm from the start, but Juventus defended resolutely and offered little space. 

The first clear chance fell to Madrid via a slick move in the 22nd minute when Kylian Mbappé slipped a low pass into the box for Vinícius Júnior, whose shot was turned aside at the near post by Michele Di Gregorio. 

Juventus responded with rare ventures forward; Federico Gatti rose to meet a corner in the 33rd minute, but his header drifted wide.

The breakthrough came in the 57th minute. Vinícius Júnior penetrated the right channel and cut inside past his marker, his shot rebounding off the post. Bellingham was perfectly positioned at the top of the six-yard box to tap home from the rebound.

That goal lifted the momentum for Madrid and silenced the visitors’ backline. Shortly after, Juventus attempted to up their attacking tempo but failed to make a dent.

 As the match entered its final quarter, Real kept control through smart substitutions (Fran Garcia, Mastantuono) and secured the clean sheet despite Juventus’s late pressing; Courtois made a decisive stop late in the game to preserve the win.