Real Madrid maintained their 100% record in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Juventus at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos managed to secure victory courtesy of Jude Bellingham’s first goal of the season, as they prepare for El Clasico.

Manager Xabi Alonso said that his side had played well in phases after the game, while for the Juventus, the performance rather than the result was deemed acceptable for Igor Tudor, who is under pressure for his job. Football Italia Editor Lorenzo Bettoni and Football España Editor Ruairidh Barlow discussed the game and its consequences outside the Santiago Bernabeu after the match.

Brahim Diaz controversy over challenge

One of the main controversial moments for the Italian press was a challenge from Brahim Diaz just after the hour-mark. The Morocco star slid in with his studs up catching the ankle of Kephren Thuram, a challenge that was punished with a yellow card. The Bianconeri were asking for a VAR review of the challenge.

The changing fortunes of Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler

Bellingham’s first goal of the season could be an important boost for the England international, who has struggled to impact games under Alonso since coming back from his shoulder injury. On the other hand, Arda Guler, who some felt could leave the club last summer without the promise of a bigger role, looks increasingly like Alonso’s most important midfielder alongside Aurelien Tchouameni.

Looking ahead to El Clasico

It appears as if Alonso will have almost all of his players available for El Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday, which should ease some of his choices. One of the tenets of Real Madrid’s play this season has been the high pressure on the opposition, something they have in common with Barcelona. Will Alonso adjust to gameplan against Hansi Flick’s side, or will he back his side to overpower Barcelona with an aggressive approach without the ball?