FULL TIME
2-1
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Real Madrid: possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
Vfb Stuttgart: possible starting lineup: Nubel; Vagnoman, Chase, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Rieder; Demirovic, Undav
Match Preview
Real Madrid begin their quest for a record-extending 16th Champions League title on Tuesday night, hosting Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu in what will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. Fresh off their 2-0 triumph over Borussia Dortmund in last season's final, Carlo Ancelotti's side is aiming to continue their dominance in Europe, where they have been near-unstoppable against German opposition. Real Madrid have only lost once in their last 21 Champions League matches against German clubs, winning 14.
Madrid enters the match in good form, having extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to six games after a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad. However, injuries have left the squad somewhat depleted. Key players like Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni have only recently returned to training, while Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Diaz remain sidelined. On a brighter note, Kylian Mbappe is set to make his Champions League debut for Madrid after a prolific career in the competition with PSG and Monaco.
Stuttgart, on the other hand, are back in the Champions League for the first time in 15 years. Despite their poor historical record against Spanish opposition in the competition, the German club will look to build on their confidence after a 3-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach at the weekend. Forward Ermedin Demirovic is in outstanding form, with five goals already this season, and Deniz Undav also got off the mark with a goal against Gladbach. However, Stuttgart will need to overcome their shaky start to the Bundesliga season and several key injuries, including absences of defenders Ameen Al Dakhil and Leonidas Stergiou.
Facing one of the toughest draws in the league phase, Stuttgart will need to play at their best to challenge the reigning champions. Real Madrid, with their European pedigree and star-studded lineup led by Mbappe, are heavily favored but will be wary of Stuttgart’s attacking threat.