Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus (Bellingham). A big win to prepare for the Clásico… This is our initial quick reaction. Coming up: Player ratings, press conferences and another podcast.
There remained nerves around the Bernabéu with more pressure than ever before on Xabi Alonso to secure a landmark win only days before the Clásico. The coach fielded a very offensive line-up, including three forwards ahead of a duo of Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham. With limited options in defence, Raúl Asencio got his first start since the win over Kairat Almaty.
The first half was a battle of attrition, Real Madrid recording 14 shots and 1.07 xG but being unable to beat Michele Di Gregorio in the Juventus goal. Despite boasting 71% possession, Los Blancos struggled to break down the Italian backline, the back three set up by Igor Tudor nullifying Kylian Mbappé and denying Vinícius Júnior any space to run into.
Jude Bellingham eventually broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, as Vini made space for himself twisting inside and out before firing a shot against the post, with the England international on hand to poke home the rebound past a sprawling Di Gregorio. Despite a host of chances, Mbappé and Brahim Díaz both forcing two saves each, that was the only goal of the game. The final headline comes from Asencio, who hobbled off late on after making a stunning block to deny Ikoma Lois Openda. Is this the momentum boost Real Madrid needed ahead of El Clásico on Sunday?
Source link
