The fixture proved successful for Xabi Alonso‘s team, with the additional positive of Kylian Mbappe returning from illness as a substitute in the 68th minute.
The opening half showed both teams’ capabilities, with Juventus starting strongly before Real Madrid gained control. Juventus’ Randal Kolo Muani missed an early opportunity after Kenan Yildiz’s setup, attempting to chip Thibaut Courtois but sending the ball over.
Yildiz later created another chance, his powerful shot deflecting off Aurelien Tchouameni.
Despite Juventus’ confident ball movement following their 5-2 loss to Manchester City, Real increased their pressure. Jude Bellingham forced Michele Di Gregorio into a close-range save, while Federico Valverde tested him from distance. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low cross added to Real’s strong finish to the half.
Real maintained their dominance after the break, creating numerous opportunities. Bellingham and Valverde both came close before the decisive goal arrived. Alexander-Arnold’s precise cross found Gonzalo, who scored his third goal in four tournament matches with an accurate header.
Juventus attempted to respond through Francisco Conceicao’s low shot, which was well saved by Courtois. Real continued pressing, with Valverde attempting an overhead kick and Arda Guler forcing a save from Di Gregorio. Nicolas Gonzalez nearly equalised with a long-range effort for Juventus.
Alonso expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly praising Gonzalo, while indicating Mbappe might receive more playing time in the next fixture.
“I think day by day he will be better, and from now until the quarter-finals on Saturday, in 3-4 days, he will be better. We will keep watching him. I talk to him every day about how he’s feeling, and well, I think he will be much better for the quarters,” he said.
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