Mansion Sports – Real Madrid CF once again showcased their European dominance with a narrow yet crucial 1-0 victory over Juventus FC on matchday three of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League league phase at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. 

The only goal of the match came from Jude Bellingham in the 57th minute, ensuring Xabi Alonso’s side maintained their flawless record in this season’s competition.

Madrid’s Dominance Meets Juventus’ Resilient Defense in the First Half

The match began at a blistering pace, with Juventus immediately pressing high and creating the first real chance through Weston McKennie in the 10th minute. 

His powerful strike from distance, however, was expertly parried away by Thibaut Courtois. Moments later, Federico Gatti also tried his luck from long range, but once again Courtois responded decisively.

After absorbing Juventus’s early pressure, Real Madrid gradually took control of possession. The young duo Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior spearheaded the attacking play from the flanks, continuously testing the Italian defense. 

From a corner, Güler delivered a sharp cross that found Aurélien Tchouaméni, but his header landed safely in the hands of goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.

Juventus relied on compact defending and quick counterattacks, yet Real Madrid’s momentum only grew stronger after the 25th minute. 

The combination play between Federico Valverde, Brahim Díaz, and Bellingham caused persistent problems for the visitors, while Vinícius frequently forced Pierre Kalulu into difficult defensive duels.

The best opportunity of the half arrived in the 40th minute when Vinícius and Güler combined to set up Kylian Mbappé, whose close-range strike was brilliantly denied by Di Gregorio. 

Real continued their assault before halftime, with Éder Militão sending a fierce effort just over the bar following a pass from Mbappé.

Despite relentless pressure — with 14 shots from Real compared to four from Juventus — the visitors held firm until the interval, keeping the score goalless at the break.

Bellingham Breaks the Deadlock in the Second Half

Juventus came out firing in the second half, creating two golden chances through José Ángel Carreras and Dušan Vlahović, only for Courtois to once again exhibit his world-class reflexes to preserve Madrid’s clean sheet.

After surviving those scares, Real Madrid quickly regained control. Arda Güler dictated the tempo on the right flank, orchestrating multiple dangerous attacks. 

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 57th minute: Vinícius Júnior showcased his trademark flair by dribbling past two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that struck the post. The rebound fell perfectly to Bellingham, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to give Madrid a deserved 1-0 lead.

The goal transformed the match’s dynamics, with Real playing more confidently and fluidly. Their passing sequences quickened, and their pressing intensified. 

Mbappé came close to doubling the lead after a brilliant through ball from Claudio Echeverri Mastantuono, but Di Gregorio’s sharp reflexes once again kept Juventus in the game.

In response, Juventus head coach Igor Tudor introduced several attacking substitutions — Marcus Thuram for Francisco Conceição, Vlahović for Jonathan David, and Kenan Yıldız for Loïs Openda — in a bid to find an equalizer. Nevertheless, Real’s midfield control and defensive discipline proved too strong to overcome.

As the match neared its conclusion, Di Gregorio continued to stand out, denying further efforts from Mbappé and Valverde. 

Despite Juventus pushing forward during stoppage time, Real’s backline held firm. Courtois capped off his stellar performance with a crucial save to stop Filip Kostić’s long-range effort in the dying moments, sealing a hard-fought but deserved victory for Los Blancos.

Real Madrid Maintain a Perfect Champions League Record

This win consolidates Real Madrid’s position at the top of the group standings with nine points from three matches, further strengthening their reputation as one of the leading contenders for this season’s UEFA Champions League title.

Meanwhile, Juventus, who are still without a win in their opening three fixtures, remain on two points and face an uphill battle to secure qualification for the next phase.

Match Statistics: Real Madrid vs Juventus

Los Blancos Reinforce Their European Supremacy

With this latest triumph, Real Madrid have once again underlined their status as Europe’s footballing powerhouse. 

The combination of Bellingham’s decisive influence, midfield creativity, and defensive solidity reflects the perfect balance within Xabi Alonso’s tactical system.

As the club continues its pursuit of a record-extending 15th Champions League title, performances like this only reinforce why Real Madrid remain the benchmark for success in European football.