Real Madrid’s quest to defend their UEFA Champions League (UCL) title began on a high note with a 3-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu. This win secured their three points and extended their unbeaten home run in the Champions League to 14 games—a testament to their dominance in Europe’s premier club competition.
Stuttgart’s Resurgence Under Sebastian Hoeneß
VfB Stuttgart’s journey from relegation struggles to UCL contenders is a remarkable tale of resurgence. Since the 2009/10 season, Stuttgart has experienced the highs and lows of German football, including relegation and mid-table finishes. However, under the guidance of Sebastian Hoeneß, Stuttgart has re-established itself as a formidable force. A second-place finish in the Bundesliga last season was a clear indicator of their return to the elite, making their clash with 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid a significant test of their progress.
A Thrilling First Half: Stuttgart’s Bold Approach
From the whistle, Stuttgart demonstrated their intent to make an impact. Within the first 20 minutes, they had already forced three saves from Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. Enzo Millot’s missed opportunity when one-on-one with Courtois highlighted Stuttgart’s early pressure. Despite Stuttgart’s impressive start, Real Madrid gradually began to impose themselves on the game, creating several chances of their own.
Kylian Mbappé, in particular, was a constant threat, testing Stuttgart’s goalkeeper, Alexander Nübel, on two occasions. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni had a header saved, while Maximilian Mittelstädt made a crucial block to deny Rodrygo. Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav hit the crossbar with a deflected shot, and a controversial penalty decision was overturned after a VAR review, maintaining the scoreline at 0-0.
Real Madrid’s Response: Mbappé Shines
The second half saw Real Madrid’s inevitable quality come to the forefront. Within 30 seconds of the restart, Real Madrid seized the lead as Rodrygo set up Mbappé for his first UCL goal for the club. Despite Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling forcing another save from Courtois, Real Madrid’s dominance was apparent. Vinícius Júnior’s shot hit the crossbar, and Stuttgart’s resilience was tested further.
Stuttgart’s Moment of Glory
Stuttgart’s persistence paid off when they equalized through Deniz Undav, who headed home from a corner delivered by Leweling. The traveling Stuttgart fans were ecstatic, witnessing their team hold their own against one of Europe’s giants.
Madrid’s Late Show: Rüdiger and Endrick Seal the Win
The final stages of the match saw Real Madrid reassert their dominance. From a Luka Modrić corner, Antonio Rüdiger scored against his former club, restoring Real Madrid’s lead. Youngster Endrick, making his UCL debut, added a third goal on the counter-attack to ensure a 3-1 victory for Los Blancos. Despite the late heartbreak for Stuttgart, they can take pride in their performance against a top-tier team like Real Madrid.
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Conclusion
Real Madrid’s victory over VfB Stuttgart was a testament to their class and experience in the Champions League. Stuttgart’s spirited performance, though ultimately not enough to secure a result, showcased their potential and their progress under Hoeneß. As Real Madrid continues their campaign to retain their UCL title, fans can expect more thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned and keep betting with BangSports for the latest football action!