Real Madrid 2 Juventus 1: Ronaldo stars in heavyweight clash at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo scores (Getty Images)

For almost seventy years, the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu has stood as a glaring contradiction. Approached from the outside, it provokes a dark foreboding, a sense of fear inspired by its appearance as an inner city version of Mordor set in the heart of the Spanish capital.

Once inside, however, the concrete facade gives way to an explosion of light and sound. The bright blue seats seem to stretch to infinity, and the sharp green grass just begs to be stepped upon. Add in the impeccably modern facilities, coupled with the immense weight of history carried by Real Madrid, and you realise the cliche about it being a 'footballing cathedral' is entirely true.

Given the recent poor form of Juventus - picked apart by the sparkling Giuseppe Rossi on Sunday - they could be have been forgiven for feeling utterly doomed before a ball was kicked. Yet, you knew Antonio Conte would never allow that to happen, not in his days as inspirational captain, nor now as coach of the Turin giants. His team would once again embody his own determination, just as the game would be befitting of those contradictions of the famous old stadium.

The Bianconeri started brightly here with Conte's brave, but uncharacteristic in changing formation ahead of such a huge match. Claudio Marchisio fired an early shot at Iker Casillas, the midfielder a clear beneficiary of the move to finally eschew the 3-5-2 that has been Juve's security blanket for almost two years. The new look formation sat somewhere between 4-3-3 and 4-5-1, but was filled with the intent and desire to attack as often as possible.

Yet shortly after that early chance, Cristiano Ronaldo skipped past Gigi Buffon to score yet another goal, continuing the clockwork regularity with which he finds the net for Los Merengues. Even that could not deflate a Juventus side boosted by their vociferous supporters. Continuing to fight as they always seem to, it would be somewhat apt that two players who left Spain in unhappy circumstances would combine to secure an equaliser.

Martin Càceres, once a major purchase quickly dumped by Barcelona, whipped in a deep cross that was met by Paul Pogba, only to see his effort saved by Casillas. Fortunately for Juventus they had invested in a genuine goal scorer this summer, a move that paid handsome dividends, as Fernando Llorente pounced on the follow up to make it 1-1.

The Basque striker, long believed to have been a target for Real Madrid, is no stranger to the Bernabéu, having visited on numerous occasions with Athletic Bilbao. While the goal marked his sixth career strike against Real Madrid, it would also prove to be the last point at which the Italian giants would appear to have a genuine chance of victory.

Shortly after, as Buffon dealt with a somewhat routine cross, the referee cheered the hearts of Celtic supporters by awarding a penalty for pushing. Giorgio Chiellini dragged down Sergio Ramos nowhere near the ball, and the German official pointed to the spot, much to the delight of Hoops boss Neil Lennon. Ronaldo netted his second of the game before halftime, but soon he and Chiellini would feature in what would become the biggest talking point of the night.

Just four minutes after the restart, the ball was played to the Portuguese forward and Chiellini, looking to cut him off, raised an arm as defenders so often do in that situation. Ronaldo, as brilliant as he can be, showed the other side to his game and fell to the floor, clutching his face in faux-agony. The referee produced a red card, the shade similar to that now on the faces of the now apocalyptic fans in the visitors section. It was a foolish move by Chiellini, but one which did not warrant his expulsion.

More decisions - including penalty calls for both Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal - went in favour of the home side, prompting Lazio and Italy legend Alessandro Nesta to tweet simply "stop the referee!" While Chiellini must take responsibility for putting himself in both situations, it is a shame that the decisions of the official will overshadow the two most salient points of the whole encounter.

Firstly, Conte's excellent tactical approach almost secured the result it deserved, and arguably would have done so, had the big defender kept his hands down on both those key occasions. Often criticised for his lack of change, the coach switched both personnel and shape, indicative of the fresh impetus needed for his team to become only the second in Juve history to win three consecutive league titles. For fifty minutes they stood tall against the might of Real Madrid, as the two sides played some excellent football. The coach and his players should find that a huge boost to their confidence as they return to domestic matters this weekend.

Secondly, and most certainly not to be overlooked was a poignant moment in the 59th minute. As Conte brought on Kwadwo Asamoah, he decided it would be Andrea Pirlo who would give way to the powerful Ghanaian. The bearded Italian had not had the best of games, making just 48 passes before he was withdrawn, yet the stadium rose as one, 90,000 people on their feet to applaud a genius.

Joining them was his former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti - who together helped the Rossoneri win two Champions League titles - clapping along from his technical area. Pirlo may not have left the arena victorious like Ronaldinho or even Alessandro Del Piero, but the Bernabéu has always acknowledged champions, even when they are not bedecked in the famous white shirt of Real Madrid.

In less than two weeks these two giant clubs will meet again, this time in Turin as the Group Stage rumbles on. Juventus Stadium has none of the history of last night's venue, but a game like this one will one day become part of its legend. Hopefully one without controversy.