Bellingham Strikes as Real Madrid Edge Juventus to Maintain Perfect Champions League Run
Jude Bellingham scored his first goal of the season as Real Madrid edged Juventus 1-0, preserving their perfect Champions League start, with Courtois’ crucial saves ensuring victory and group-stage supremacy.
Real Madrid extended their flawless start to the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League group stage, claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Jude Bellingham’s first goal of the season proved decisive, securing three points for the Spanish giants and leaving Igor Tudor’s side with just two points from three matches.
Madrid were far from their most fluid selves against a well-drilled Juventus defense, but a series of key saves from Thibaut Courtois marking his 300th appearance for the club kept the hosts in contention. Bellingham capitalized on a rebound in the 57th minute, after Vinícius Júnior’s shot rattled the post, to break the deadlock and give Real the lead.
The visitors had started brightly, with early chances for Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie testing the Madrid defense. Raúl Asencio and Courtois were both alert to block dangerous deliveries, keeping the Serie A side from gaining an early advantage.
Juventus’ counter-attacks remained a threat throughout the first half, but Madrid gradually grew into the game, particularly through set-piece situations orchestrated by Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Despite struggles from Kylian Mbappé and Bellingham to influence play initially, Real Madrid’s threat never fully dissipated. Vinícius and Brahim Díaz combined to create opportunities, forcing fine saves from Michele Di Gregorio.
After Bellingham’s opener, Madrid pressed for a second, but Juventus goalkeeper Di Gregorio remained sharp, denying attempts from Federico Valverde, Mbappé, and Díaz. Madrid’s defense, marshaled by Éder Militão and Courtois, stood firm to see out the victory.
The win keeps Madrid at the top of their group alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Internazionale, and Arsenal, all maintaining perfect records after three matches. Juventus, meanwhile, must regroup, having only claimed two points from their opening trio of fixtures.
This result also offers a boost for Madrid ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona, giving Carlo Ancelotti’s side momentum and confidence going into one of the season’s marquee fixtures.
Champions League Group Standings (Top 5)
- Paris Saint-Germain – 9 pts (+10 GD)
- Bayern Munich – 9 pts (+10 GD)
- Internazionale – 9 pts (+9 GD)
- Arsenal – 9 pts (+8 GD)
- Real Madrid – 9 pts (+7 GD)
Bellingham’s goal and Courtois’ experience were pivotal, highlighting Madrid’s blend of youth and experience. As the group stage continues, the Spaniards will look to maintain their unbeaten run and strengthen their position ahead of the knockout rounds.
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