Real Madrid opened their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the final scoreline does not fully capture the challenge posed by their German opponents. Stuttgart, making their return to Europe’s premier club competition after a long absence, gave the defending champions a tough test and were unfortunate not to come away with a more favorable result.
Stuttgart’s return to the Champions League has been a long time coming. Since their last appearance in 2009/10, the German side endured two relegations and struggled to consistently finish in the top half of the Bundesliga. However, under head coach Sebastian Hoeness, Stuttgart has rebuilt impressively, finishing second in the Bundesliga last season. Their opening match against Real Madrid highlighted the significant progress the team has made in recent years.
Despite being underdogs against the 15-time Champions League winners, Stuttgart started the game brightly, immediately putting pressure on Real Madrid’s defense. Thibaut Courtois was called into action early on, making three crucial saves in the opening 20 minutes. Stuttgart’s Enzo Millot had the best chance during this period, finding himself one-on-one with Courtois, but the Belgian keeper proved too strong, denying the forward a potential lead for the visitors.
Real Madrid, as expected, grew into the game and began to create opportunities of their own. Kylian Mbappé, making his much-anticipated Champions League debut for Los Blancos, was a constant threat to Stuttgart’s backline. He forced two key saves from Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, while Vinícius Júnior also came close with a shot that was deflected over the bar.
Stuttgart, however, remained dangerous, particularly through Deniz Undav, whose deflected shot hit the crossbar late in the first half. It was a warning to Real Madrid that Stuttgart were not willing to back down.
After a goalless first half, it took Real Madrid just 30 seconds into the second half to break the deadlock. A quick turnover of possession saw Rodrygo win the ball and set up Mbappé for an easy tap-in, marking the Frenchman’s first Champions League goal for the club. It was a dream start to the second half for Real Madrid, and Mbappé’s goal underlined his importance to the team.
The goal appeared to shift momentum further in Madrid’s favor. Vinícius Júnior came close to doubling the lead with a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar, while Mbappé continued to test Nübel with his sharp movement and dangerous runs. Despite the pressure, Stuttgart remained resolute and continued to threaten on the counter.
Stuttgart’s persistence eventually paid off in the 68th minute. From a corner, an unmarked Jamie Leweling delivered a cross to the far post, where Deniz Undav rose highest to head the ball past Courtois, leveling the score at 1-1. The equalizer ignited celebrations among the 4,000 traveling Stuttgart fans and gave the visitors renewed hope of securing a shock result against the reigning champions.
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For a brief period, Stuttgart looked capable of pulling off an upset. Their defense held firm as Madrid pushed for a winner, and their counterattacks continued to cause problems for the Spanish giants.
However, Real Madrid’s experience and quality ultimately proved decisive. Just nine minutes after Stuttgart’s equalizer, Antonio Rüdiger restored Madrid’s lead. The German defender, playing against his former Bundesliga rivals, rose highest from a Luka Modrić corner to head home and make it 2-1 to the hosts.
Stuttgart, though spirited, began to lose steam as Madrid tightened their grip on the game. In the 87th minute, substitute Endrick, making his Champions League debut, put the result beyond doubt. Finishing off a swift counterattack, the young Brazilian forward slotted the ball past Nübel to seal the 3-1 victory for Real Madrid.
Despite the loss, Stuttgart’s performance was commendable. Their aggressive start and fighting spirit throughout the match were a testament to the progress the club has made under Sebastian Hoeness. Playing away at the Bernabéu is one of the toughest challenges in European football, yet Stuttgart stood tall and gave the reigning champions a real test. Their display will undoubtedly give them confidence as they move forward in the competition.
For Real Madrid, the win highlighted their ability to find the winning edge even when under pressure. Mbappé’s clinical finish, Rüdiger’s decisive header, and Endrick’s late goal showcased Madrid’s depth and resilience. Although their defense showed vulnerabilities, particularly in dealing with Stuttgart’s set-pieces, their attack once again proved to be the difference-maker.
As Madrid continue their quest for another Champions League title, their composure in tight situations and quality in key moments will remain vital. Stuttgart, meanwhile, can take pride in their performance and look forward to the rest of the campaign with optimism.
