Bellingham strike helps Real Madrid edge Juventus

Jude Bellingham’s goal helped record 15-time winners Real Madrid maintain their 100 percent start to the Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Juventus on Wednesday.

Xabi Alonso’s Spanish giants mostly outplayed their visitors but could not extend their lead after England international Bellingham netted from close range in the second half.

Italian heavyweights Juventus, now without a win in seven games across all competitions, fought hard but failed to find an equaliser at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid’s solid win was ideal preparation for Sunday’s Clasico against rivals Barcelona in La Liga and left them as one of five sides to win all three of their opening league phase matches, including holders Paris Saint-Germain.

“It was a very tough game with chances at both ends and we had to sweat for it, but it was an important win against a big team,” Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Movistar, after making his 300th appearance for the club.

Both teams tried to figure each other out in a tentative opening period, but slowly Alonso’s team began to take control.

Brahim Diaz flicked the ball to in-form French superstar Kylian Mbappe, whose shot was tipped away by Michele Di Gregorio.

The striker produced a superb dribble from the right to break into the box and then cut the ball back to Eder Militao, who whistled a shot narrowly over.

That was as close as either side came in the first half but the game opened up after the interval.

Courtois made an important save with his leg to deny Dusan Vlahovic at the end of a rapid break downfield.

Madrid took the lead after some fine work by Vinicius Junior, yet to score in the Champions League this season.

The Brazilian was surrounded by defenders in the area but managed to work some space for a shot, which he curled against the post.

Attacking midfielder Bellingham showed his poacher’s instinct to react quickest and turn home the rebound after 57 minutes.

It was the 22-year-old’s first goal of the season in his seventh match, after a slow start to the campaign following shoulder surgery in the summer to fix a long-term problem.

‘Dreaming of that moment’

“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.”

Bellingham’s coach 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,” the Basque coach 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.”

Mbappe, who had scored in his previous 11 matches for club and country, slipped as he shot and Di Gregorio was able to save his low strike as Madrid sought a second.

The Italian stopper made a stunning double save from Mbappe and Diaz to give his team a chance of snatching a draw.

Juventus forged one golden chance but Raul Asencio slid in to block Lois Openda’s shot as the clock ticked down.

Mbappe had one more effort from distance saved as he tried to preserve his goalscoring streak, but Di Gregorio was equal to it.

“We’ve started this group phase in the best way possible,” said Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

By contrast Igor Tudor’s Juve are winless after their first three Champions League matches.

“We have some strengths and weaknesses, but we have to put faith in this team, as we are on the right track,” said Tudor.

“We had hunger, but when doing so much running, there was a lack of sharpness and many were not accustomed to playing at this level.”