Jude Bellingham’s second-half strike proved decisive as 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid edged Juventus 1-0 on Wednesday night to maintain their 100 per cent start to this season’s competition.
Xabi Alonso’s side dominated proceedings at the Santiago Bernabéu, but despite their control, they were unable to add to Bellingham’s close-range finish midway through the second half.
The visitors, now winless in seven consecutive matches across all competitions, put up a resilient fight but could not find an equaliser.
Madrid came closest to scoring in the first half when Brahim Díaz’s clever flick found Kylian Mbappé, whose shot was pushed away by goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Moments later, Éder Militão fired narrowly over from the edge of the box after a surging run by Mbappé.
After the interval, Thibaut Courtois was called into action, producing a crucial save with his leg to deny Dusan Vlahović following a swift Juventus counterattack.
The victory leaves Real Madrid as one of only five teams to have won all three of their opening group-stage games, providing a perfect boost ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico showdown with Barcelona in La Liga.
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