Sacchi analyses Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus: ‘There is only one medicine’

Arrigo Sacchi believes that losing 1-0 away against Real Madrid in the Champions League is not necessarily the worst thing in the world, but claims that there is ‘only one medicine’ for Juventus and head coach Igor Tudor to get back to winning ways after going over a month without a victory in any competition. 

Juventus were beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening thanks to a loan goal from England international Jude Bellingham. That has left the Old Lady sitting in 25th place in the Champions League standings, which would not be enough to qualify for the knock-out rounds. 

Juventus are now on their worst run without a win in 16 years, having drawn five and lost two across their last seven matches in Serie A and the Champions League. 

Despite their winless run, Sacchi believes that losing away against Real MAdrid was not the worst thing in the world for Juventus: “All things considered, losing at Real Madrid is okay, but the reality is that the Bianconeri have not yet won in Europe and it has been more than a month between the league and cups since they last won,” he wrote in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column. 

“It’s quite clear that Tudor’s team is going through a difficult moment, otherwise they wouldn’t have lost the way they did in Como. In times like this, there is only one medicine: Get your head down, get to work and be aware that you can improve.” 

Though he thinks Juventus put in an encouraging performance, Sacchi also claims that there is a ‘clear difference’ in levels between the Bianconeri and Real Madrid. 

“Real Madrid put their foot on the accelerator and showed that they have crazy technical quality, particularly towards the end of the first half. The goalkeeper, Di Gregorio, was amazing on Mbappe, who is not my favourite centre-forward because he doesn’t move in sync with the rest of the team. 

“Playing at the Bernabeu is never easy, it makes everyone’s legs tremble. The Bianconeri approach was understandable: A careful defence, always playing fairly low, strong character. The script didn’t change in the second half. Real tried to knock out their opponent, while Juve tried to deliver the counter blow. 

“The difference between the two teams is obvious, though. Bellingham’s goal rewarded the Spaniards, who deserved the victory. In addition to the Englishman’s goal, they had several chances to double their lead.”