da realbet： The Bianconeri ran out 3-1 winners over Madrid on Wednesday as their American duo stepped up in a big way

da pinup bet： On a field packed with European and South American stars, in a game between two European giants in Juventus and Real Madrid, it was two United States men's national team stars who had the biggest impact. Weston McKennie grabbed an assist, Tim Weah found the net, and the duo combined for a stout Juve performance as the Italian side ran out 3-1 winners on Wednesday.

Juventus only needed 56 seconds to take the lead, as McKennie cracked a shot off the post, and the rebound fell fortuitously to the right foot of Moise Kean, who couldn't miss from four yards out. Weah added a second for the Old Lady 15 minutes later, finishing into an open net to complete a sweeping counter-attack — with McKennie's incisive pass setting him up.

But Madrid had their chances. Joselu almost equalised, but couldn't turn the ball home with the goal gaping; Jude Bellingham forced a diving stop out of Wojciech Szczesny; and Vinicius Jr tickled the bar with a curled effort. He didn't miss when provided another opportunity, though, scampering onto Toni Kroos' probing through ball and lifting it over Szczesny.

Los Blancos continued to apply pressure in the second half, but Juve steadily took the sting out of their attack. McKennie was instrumental in the effort, squeezing space and applying pressure to a panicked Madrid midfield. Juventus grabbed one more to finish the game in second-half stoppage-time, as potentially-departing striker Dusan Vlahovic rounded off a counter-attack with a tap-in.

Still, this was a contest defined by two American stars who perhaps showed they were good enough to break into one of Europe's most decorated teams.

GOAL looks at what we learned during the clash at Camping World Stadium in Orlando…

Getty ImagesAmericans make the difference

The thousands of fans packed into the stadium in Orlando weren't necessarily there to see the outstanding quality of a few USMNT regulars, but it was two Americans who were absolutely crucial in Juve's ppening two goals.

McKennie was first, clanging a shot off the post, the rebound of which fell to Kean for his side's opener. Weah, meanwhile, did his part for the second, ending a sweeping move with a neat side-footed finish.

The duo's role shifted as the game wore on, with Juve consistently under pressure from a purring Madrid attack. Weah did his part in containing Vinicius, but was helpless as the winger bagged Madrid's goal. McKennie, meanwhile, put in a shift in central midfield, running tirelessly to contain the buzzing Camavinga-Modric-Kroos trio.

Neither player made it past 65 minutes — Juve are still relatively early in their pre-season slate. Still, their impact was felt.

AdvertisementJoselu isn't the answer

There is a world in which Kylian Mbappe doesn't sign for Madrid, and Joselu has to play. The Spain international was an odd loan signing, given his lack of goalscoring pedigree at the top level. That he has been brought in as Karim Benzema's replacement made it even more puzzling — and only piled on the pressure.

Thus far, he hasn't been able to respond to the expectations with any real conviction, and Joselu struggled again here. He missed one chance, and couldn't quite reach a loose ball that would have surely led to another. There are other reasons for his inclusion.

Joselu always makes the right runs, presses diligently, and seems to have a developing understanding of Madrid's sweeping build-up patterns. But for a player in his position, it's about output, and Joselu simply isn't banging in the goals, something that will surely have Carlo Ancelotti concerned.

Modric and Kroos strut their stuff

Past it? Not quite yet. Ancelotti himself admitted that the elder statesmen of his side might have to accept a reduced role this season. But even in small glimpses, despite their age, they can still be world-class.

Such was the case on Wednesday. Kroos was as metronomic in his passing as usual, pacing a Madrid attack that always seemed to be speeding up. Modric did all the bits in between, full of Cruyff turns and trivela flicks, providing the incision that Madrid needed to break down a lively Juventus backline.

Modric was removed from proceedings after 63 minutes. Kroos plodded around a bit longer, and that might be how it works for Madrid this season. Los Blancos have an interesting mix of young and old in central midfield, a squad construction that means Modric and Kroos are no longer forced to play every minute. That could provide them with the perfect end to their careers.

Getty ImagesBellingham as a false 9 isn't working yet

When it comes to his stacked midfield, Ancelotti does have the benefit of tactical flexibility. He has seven players who are more than good enough to start — many of whom would walk into most first teams around Europe — and only four spots for them. The solution, thus far, has been to have Bellingham play as a No.10 behind split strikers.

It's worked for spells, and, when Madrid attack with pace, could be absolutely devastating. But in these games, when Madrid have more of the ball, it hasn't led to results.

Bellingham is both the problem and solution here. He is perhaps being misused, asked to get into the box too often, told to finish rather than orchestrate. It's something he's not very good at yet. But if moved further back, with runners buzzing about in front of him, Madrid could be deadly.

It's all amounted to a Madrid side that has now scored just once from open play in the last two fixtures. Bellingham isn't to blame here, but he isn't a natural fit for the exact role he's being asked to operate in.