Juventus Edge Ahead? Tudor Sees a Path Forward After Madrid Defeat

Match recap

Igor Tudor emphasized that Juventus are on the right track despite the 1-0 loss to Real Madrid, saying, “We left the Santiago Bernabéu with regret because we deserved at least a goal.” The Bianconeri arrived in a difficult spell, having earned five draws and one defeat in their previous six competitive matches.

They did create chances at the Bernabéu, including efforts from Dušan Vlahović and another Juventus forward, but Madrid’s relentless work culminated in Jude Bellingham’s decisive strike.

Tudor told Sky Sport Italia that his players were disappointed, feeling they deserved a goal, yet they remain on the right path and focused on the next steps.

He praised the early intensity and the character shown by the team, acknowledging that Real Madrid would always press, but Juventus executed what they had prepared for. Vinícius Júnior’s individual quality helped Madrid open the scoring, with a shot hitting the woodwork before Bellingham followed up.

The Juve boss added that there was a mix of respect and fear of conceding a penalty, so nobody rushed into reckless challenges. He argued that if no one makes a mistake, goals would not be scored in football.

Tudor called for more determination from his players, noting the squad’s turnover and the absence of several experienced champions. He said several newcomers are adapting and leadership within the group must improve.

“We have strengths and weaknesses,” he said, “but we must trust this team and accept that comparisons with the past are not useful. We are on the right path.” He warned that Juventus must rise to the next level and that daily discussions and effort are essential to evolve, otherwise the familiar fluctuations may return.

Asked about a specific aspect he disliked, he explained: “We craved the win but ran too much and lacked sharpness at times; many players are not used to playing at this level. We know our limits, but I am pleased with the performance, even if no one leaves with a full set of spoils.”

Vlahović offered a subtle critique of the coach, noting notable changes in Juventus’ display against Madrid. He stressed that despite the defeat, he is confident in the team’s mentality for upcoming fixtures and emphasized maintaining the same approach in every game, with due respect for opponents.

He added: “We must keep the same mentality and humility; that is how we achieve results. It would be unacceptable for a club of this magnitude to change so much from game to game.”

Juventus left Madrid with a defeat but a clearer sense of progress. The team now focuses on Lazio and another tough away match, with daily conversations and ongoing effort seen as the only route to improvement. The basics remain non-negotiable for a club of this stature.

Since beating Inter Milan 4-3 on September 13, Juventus have not tasted victory for over a month. They have drawn in the Champions League group stage against Dortmund and Villarreal, and have also dropped points in Serie A against Verona, Atalanta, and Milan, before the latest setback to Como. The trajectory leaves them seventh in Serie A with 12 points and outside the European places, while in the Champions League they sit near the bottom with two points, effectively ending hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds.