Real Madrid Begins Champions League Title Defense with a 3-1 Victory over Stuttgart
Real Madrid has kicked off its 2024–25 UEFA Champions League campaign with a thrilling 3-1 victory against Bundesliga runner-up Stuttgart at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, the match showcased the skill and resilience of Los Blancos, marking a solid start to their title defense despite some early hiccups.
The match was critical for Real Madrid, especially with key players Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni returning from injuries. However, Éder Militão was rested, prompting the manager to deploy Dani Carvajal in a central defensive role. This tactical shift initially left the home side vulnerable as Stuttgart began the match on the front foot. Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, emerged as a hero early on, making four crucial saves within the first half-hour, ensuring that his team remained level at 0-0.
As the first half progressed, Real Madrid began to regain control, creating a dynamic end-to-end battle. A penalty shout for the hosts was dismissed after a VAR review demonstrated minimal contact on Antonio Rüdiger. The turning point arrived just seconds into the second half when superstar Kylian Mbappé netted the opener with a well-placed shot following a precise pass from Rodrygo.
Despite the promising start, Stuttgart equalized with Deniz Undav heading a goal past Courtois, creating tension for the home side. In a show of tenacity, Real Madrid responded late in the game. In the 83rd minute, Luka Modrić delivered a corner that was met by Rüdiger, who scored the pivotal winning goal. Young talent Endrick sealed the victory in stoppage time with a brilliant strike from 25 yards, finalizing the score at 3-1.
Player Ratings and Performance Highlights
- Thibaut Courtois (GK): 8/10 – A standout performer who kept the first half scoreless with excellent saves.
- Dani Carvajal (CB): 6/10 – Initially struggled in the central role but adapted better in the second half.
- Antonio Rüdiger (CB): 8/10 – Strong defensive display, including the winning goal.
- Jude Bellingham (CM): 7/10 – Positioned as the most creative force, setting up key plays for his teammates.
- Kylian Mbappé (ST): 8/10 – Marked his Champions League debut for Real Madrid with a crucial goal.
Ancelotti’s management decisions paid dividends, particularly with his substitutions. Éder Militão, who reversed the defensive frailty after halftime, was pivotal in stabilizing the backline. The introduction of Modrić, resulting in the winning assist, highlighted Ancelotti’s tactical prowess.
Overall, while Real Madrid showed moments of vulnerability, their ability to fight back and secure a win in their Champions League opener is a promising sign for the rest of the campaign. As they aim to retain their title, the performances of key players like Bellingham and Mbappé will be essential in their pursuit of European glory. The team’s cohesion and resilience on display will undoubtedly excite fans as they continue their journey in this prestigious competition.
