The English star decides it with a close-range finish, but Tudor’s Juventus leave Madrid with pride after a spirited display and a late missed chance by Openda.
Juventus may have left the Santiago Bernabéu empty-handed, but they earned respect with a disciplined and courageous performance against Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham’s poacher’s goal early in the second half proved enough to give the Spanish giants a 1–0 victory, though the Bianconeri came close to equalizing in the final minutes.
Tudor’s men started with intensity, pressing high and creating danger on the counterattack. Vlahovic led the line with determination, forcing Courtois into a key save after a powerful solo run early in the second half. However, the match turned in the 58th minute: Vinicius Jr. danced through two defenders and unleashed a sharp diagonal shot that hit the post, with Bellingham perfectly placed to slot in the rebound for the decisive goal.
Despite the setback, Juventus refused to fold. Goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio kept them alive with several crucial saves, denying both Vinicius and Mbappé as Real pressed for a second. In the final minutes, substitute Loïs Openda wasted a golden opportunity to equalize when he hesitated one-on-one, allowing Carreras to recover with a brilliant last-ditch tackle.
The result leaves Juventus with regrets but also renewed confidence after recent struggles. Tudor’s side showed tactical discipline, fighting spirit, and flashes of quality — elements they’ll need to build on as their Champions League campaign continues.
Match Report
Real Madrid 1–0 Juventus
Scorer: 58’ Bellingham
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Asencio (88′ G. Garcia), Carreras; Tchouameni, Arda Guler (74′ Camavinga); Brahim Diaz (84′ Mastantuono), Bellingham, Vinicius Junior (84′ F. Garcia); Mbappé.
Coach: Xabi Alonso
Juventus (3-5-1-1): Di Gregorio; Gatti, Rugani, Kelly; Kalulu, McKennie, Koopmeiners (74′ Locatelli), Thuram (62′ Conceicao), Cambiaso (88′ Kostic); Yildiz (74′ Openda); Vlahovic (74′ David).
Coach: Tudor
Referee: Vincic (Slovenia)
Bookings: Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)
Red cards: —
