Juventus head coach Igor Tudor expressed frustration after his side fell 1–0 to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night, extending their winless streak to seven matches across all competitions. Despite a spirited performance, the Bianconeri were undone by a moment of brilliance from Jude Bellingham and their own inability to convert key chances.
⚽ A Night of Regret in Madrid
Tudor’s men entered the match desperate for a result after a string of draws and a Serie A defeat to Como. Against a Real Madrid side boasting a perfect Champions League record this season, Juventus showed early intent, pressing high and creating three clear chances—all denied by Thibaut Courtois.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t get a point, because we deserved at least one goal,” Tudor told reporters post-match. “The lads are disappointed. We had a good approach and the desire to go for it. It’s a shame we didn’t put the ball in the net.”
Juventus’ last win came on September 13, and the pressure is mounting on Tudor to turn performances into points.
⚡ Bellingham’s Moment of Magic
The match was decided in the 57th minute when Vinícius Jr. danced past three Juventus defenders and fired a shot that rebounded off the post. Bellingham, returning from shoulder surgery, was quickest to react, slotting home his first goal of the season.
“It was down to individual skill, because he managed to shoot between three players, and also a bit of luck,” Tudor admitted. “If no one made mistakes, all matches would end without goals.”
The goal was a gut punch for Juventus, who had looked the more likely side to score in the first half.
🧠 Tactical Positives Amid the Pain
Despite the defeat, Tudor remained optimistic about his team’s trajectory. Juventus played with intensity, pressing Madrid’s midfield and forcing errors. Federico Chiesa and Khéphren Thuram were particularly lively, while Weston McKennie anchored the midfield with discipline.
“We have strengths and weaknesses, and we need to have faith because we’re on the right track,” Tudor said. “We were definitely missing a bit of everything. The desire was there, but when you run a lot, you also lack a bit of clarity and the habit of playing at certain levels.”
Juventus’ defensive shape held firm for most of the match, with Gleison Bremer and Daniele Rugani keeping Vinícius and Mbappé relatively quiet until the decisive moment.
📉 Winless Run Extends
The loss leaves Juventus with just two points from three Champions League matches, having drawn with Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal earlier in the group phase. They now sit third in Group F, behind Madrid and Dortmund.
In Serie A, the Bianconeri are seventh, four points behind leaders AC Milan. With Lazio up next, Tudor faces a critical stretch that could define his tenure.
🔮 What’s Next?
Juventus hosts Lazio on Sunday in a must-win Serie A clash. A victory could reignite their domestic campaign and restore confidence ahead of the return leg against Real Madrid in Turin.
Tudor will need to address finishing issues and possibly rotate his squad, with Dusan Vlahovic and Filip Kostić pushing for starts.
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