Real Madrid 3-1 VfB Stuttgart: Holders battle past stubborn visitors with Mbappe and Endrick on scoresheet
Real Madrid commenced their title defense in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) with a 3-1 victory against VfB Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu, thereby extending their unbeaten streak at home in this competition to 14 matches.
Since the 2009/10 season, Stuttgart has faced relegation twice and has only managed three finishes in the top half of the Bundesliga.
However, under the management of Sebastian Hoeneß, the team has transformed significantly. Following a commendable second-place finish last season, they have reestablished themselves among the elite clubs. Their opening match against Real Madrid, the 15-time champions and reigning titleholders, highlights their progress.
Los Blancos are widely regarded as one of the most formidable opponents globally, yet Stuttgart was determined to seize the opportunity on such a grand stage, initiating the match with vigor.
In the opening 20 minutes, Stuttgart forced Thibaut Courtois into three crucial saves, while Enzo Millot squandered a golden opportunity by missing the target in a one-on-one situation with the Belgian goalkeeper.
Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before Real Madrid asserted their dominance, creating multiple chances to take the lead.
Kylian Mbappé proved to be particularly menacing, testing Alexander Nübel with two significant attempts. The German goalkeeper successfully parried Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header from a corner, and Maximilian Mittelstädt executed a remarkable block to deflect Rodrygo’s shot from inside the penalty area over the crossbar.
Shortly after Deniz Undav’s deflected effort struck the crossbar at the opposite end, Carlo Ancelotti’s side was awarded a penalty when Mittelstädt appeared to have made contact with Antonio Rüdiger’s foot during a clearance attempt.
However, the referee Halil Umut Meler correctly overturned the decision after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, concluding that there had been no contact between the two players.
The French player had an attempt thwarted prior to Vinícius Júnior striking the crossbar, yet Courtois had to remain vigilant to deny Jamie Leweling’s low shot as Die Schwaben demonstrated their determination to compete fiercely.
This attempt served as a caution that Real Madrid ultimately ignored. Following a corner that reached the back post, an unmarked Leweling delivered a cross for Undav to head in, igniting jubilation among the 4,000 Stuttgart supporters who traveled to the match.
The majority of the remaining match was relatively tense, but once again, Madrid exhibited their characteristic resilience.
From a corner taken by Luka Modrić, Rüdiger scored with a header against his former team, regaining the lead for his side, before substitute Endrick found the net on his UEFA Champions League debut during a counterattack, securing the three points.
To concede so late in the game will undoubtedly be a painful setback for Hoeneß; however, he can take pride in his team's performance against a Madrid squad that is expected to contend for the title once again.
SportsLigue