Bellingham strike helps Real Madrid edge Juventus

A goal from Jude Bellingham enabled the record 15-time champions Real Madrid to preserve their flawless opening in the Champions League thanks to a narrow 1-0 win against Juventus on Wednesday.

The Spanish powerhouse managed by Xabi Alonso largely controlled the game against their opponents yet struggled to build on their advantage after the England midfielder scored from near range during the second half.

Juventus, the Italian heavyweights currently enduring a run of seven matches without a victory in all tournaments, put up a strong fight but could not level the scores at the Santiago Bernabeu.

This solid triumph for Madrid served as excellent groundwork for their upcoming La Liga Clasico clash with Barcelona on Sunday and positioned them among just five teams to secure victories in each of their initial three league phase fixtures, alongside defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.

"I am delighted with the victory, it proved a challenging encounter with opportunities for both sides and we truly earned it, yet it mattered greatly against such a formidable opponent," Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois shared with Movistar following his 300th outing for the side.

"Juventus represent a major force, far from insignificant, and their approach of defending in numbers before launching counters makes things difficult."

The two sides spent the early stages cautiously assessing one another, though gradually Alonso's squad gained the upper hand.

Brahim Diaz nodded the ball towards the prolific French forward Kylian Mbappe, whose effort was deflected wide by Michele Di Gregorio.

The forward executed an impressive run from the flank to penetrate the penalty area before squaring the ball to Eder Militao, who fired just over the crossbar.

No team came closer to scoring during the opening 45 minutes, but the action intensified following the break.

Courtois executed a vital leg save to thwart Dusan Vlahovic during a swift counterattack.

Madrid broke the deadlock through excellent play from Vinicius Junior, who remains goalless in this season's Champions League.

Although hemmed in by several defenders inside the box, the Brazilian created room for an attempt that struck the upright.

The attacking midfielder Bellingham displayed sharp instincts by pouncing on the loose ball and slotting it away after 57 minutes.

This marked the 22-year-old's initial strike of the term in his seventh appearance, coming after a subdued beginning to the year post shoulder operation in the off-season to address a persistent issue.

"I feel great joy for Jude, especially after his injury, he required a strong performance," Alonso remarked to Movistar.

"Beyond the strike, he excelled overall, regaining possession frequently in the middle third. I am pleased for the whole group, but particularly for Jude."

Best way possible

Mbappe, successful in finding the net during his prior 11 appearances for club and national team, lost his footing while shooting, allowing Di Gregorio to parry the effort as Madrid pushed for another.

The Italian custodian pulled off an outstanding double stop against Mbappe and Diaz, offering his side a shot at claiming a point.

Juventus created one prime opportunity late on, though Raul Asencio intercepted to deny Lois Openda's attempt as time ebbed away.

Mbappe tested from afar once more in an effort to extend his scoring run, but Di Gregorio handled it comfortably.

"We have launched this league stage in the optimal manner," commented Madrid's midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

"We encountered a solid outfit that organises defensively, making it tough for us, but we trusted our ability to convert chances."

Igor Tudor's Juventus side sit pointless following their opening three Champions League outings.

"We possess certain assets and flaws, yet we must trust this squad, since we progress correctly," Tudor stated.

"There was determination, but after extensive pressing, precision waned and several players lacked familiarity with this intensity."