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As the Champions League returns with a fresh new format, Real Madrid takes on VfB Stuttgart in what promises to be an exciting opener in the league phase on Tuesday night. Real Madrid, the reigning champions, begin their quest for a record-breaking 16th European title. This will be their first-ever meeting with Stuttgart, adding a touch of novelty to an already enticing matchup, and they will host the German side at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Three months have passed since Real Madrid’s triumph in the 2023 Champions League final, where they defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley. That victory added yet another trophy to their unparalleled Champions League record, marking their sixth win in the past decade. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid continues to dominate Europe’s premier competition, and the new season presents them with an opportunity to cement their legacy even further.
Stuttgart, meanwhile, faces a daunting challenge. Returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2013, they have been handed a tough group that includes Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atalanta. Starting their campaign away at Real Madrid’s fortress will be a true test for the German side, especially given their limited success against Spanish opposition over the years.
Real Madrid’s Legacy and Ambitions
Real Madrid’s relationship with the Champions League is nothing short of legendary. With 15 titles to their name, the Spanish giants have consistently outperformed the competition, demonstrating a unique ability to thrive in Europe. This season, they will be aiming for title number 16, with a squad that is still filled with world-class talent despite some key injuries.
One of the most exciting additions to the team this season is Kylian Mbappe. The French forward, who boasts an impressive record of 48 goals in 73 Champions League appearances for PSG and Monaco, is expected to make his Champions League debut for Madrid in this match. His arrival adds even more firepower to a Real Madrid attack that already includes the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, and he is poised to make an instant impact on the European stage.
However, injuries have been a concern for Ancelotti’s squad in recent weeks. Midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has been out for a month due to injury, has only just returned to training, and while his availability for this match is still in question, his return would be a huge boost for Madrid. Aurelien Tchouameni, another key midfielder, also missed the recent international break but has rejoined the squad. On the downside, Brahim Diaz is set to miss up to eight weeks after suffering a muscle injury in Madrid’s recent win over Real Sociedad, while Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos are still sidelined and not expected to return until later this month.
Despite these absences, Real Madrid’s depth remains formidable. Players like Federico Valverde have stepped up in midfield, while the defense, led by Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, has been solid. With Thibaut Courtois in goal, Los Blancos have one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and their defensive resilience will be key as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Real Madrid’s dominance over German opposition in the Champions League is another factor that plays in their favor. The Spanish giants have won 14 of their last 21 encounters with German teams, losing only once. Their home form is particularly impressive — in their last 74 home games in the competition, they have failed to score in just one, a 2018 defeat to CSKA Moscow. These statistics highlight just how difficult it is for any team, let alone an underdog like Stuttgart, to get a result at the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti’s men head into this match on the back of a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Their 2-0 win over Real Sociedad last weekend was a perfect tune-up for the Champions League opener, and although they currently trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga, their focus now shifts to defending their European crown.
Stuttgart’s Return to the Champions League
Stuttgart’s return to Europe’s biggest stage is an exciting moment for the club, but their path is strewn with challenges. Drawing one of the toughest groups in this season’s league phase, Stuttgart will need to face the likes of PSG, Juventus, and Atalanta in addition to Real Madrid. Kicking off their campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu presents an intimidating task for the German side.
The Swabians’ record against Spanish clubs in European competitions doesn’t inspire much confidence. They have faced La Liga opposition six times before, managing only two wins and suffering four defeats. Their last meeting with a Spanish team came in 2010, when they were knocked out by Barcelona in the Champions League Round of 16 after a heavy 4-0 defeat. While they did finish as Bundesliga runners-up last season and earned a place in the Europa League, Stuttgart’s most recent European venture ended in disappointment in 2013 when they were eliminated by Rijeka in a Europa League qualifier.
Despite their modest European pedigree, Stuttgart arrives in Madrid with some optimism following a 3-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga over the weekend. Ermedin Demirovic was the standout performer, scoring twice and taking his season tally to five goals for both club and country. He will likely be Stuttgart’s main attacking threat against Real Madrid, supported by Deniz Undav, who opened his Bundesliga account with a goal against Gladbach. Undav also performed well for Germany during the recent international break, and he will be looking to carry that form into Tuesday’s match.
Stuttgart’s midfield will have its hands full trying to contain Madrid’s talented playmakers, particularly if Bellingham returns to the starting lineup. Players like Atakan Karazor, Angelo Stiller, and Timothy Leweling will need to be at their best to disrupt Madrid’s rhythm and prevent the hosts from dominating possession.
Defensively, Stuttgart faces significant challenges, with several key players sidelined due to injury. Leonidas Stergiou is close to recovering from a back problem, but fellow defender Ameen Al Dakhil remains out. Additionally, Frans Kratzig and Nikolas Nartey are unlikely to return before October, and young forward Justin Diehl is out for the long term with an injury.
To stand any chance of coming away with a result from the Bernabeu, Stuttgart will need to be defensively resolute and take full advantage of any opportunities that come their way. Their forwards, Demirovic and Undav, will need to be clinical in front of goal, and the team will need to remain disciplined to prevent Real Madrid from exploiting spaces in behind.
Prediction
Given the form and quality of both teams, Real Madrid is expected to come out on top in this Champions League opener. Despite some notable absences in midfield, Los Blancos possess enough attacking talent to secure a comfortable victory. Stuttgart’s defense, weakened by injuries, will struggle to contain Madrid’s potent attack, especially if Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo are all firing on all cylinders.
Stuttgart’s best hope lies in their attack, with Demirovic and Undav both in good form. However, it will be a tall order for the German side to outscore Madrid at the Bernabeu, where the home team has been almost unbeatable in recent years.
A 3-0 win for Real Madrid seems the most likely outcome, with Mbappe marking his Champions League debut for the club with a goal. Stuttgart will need to quickly regroup after this match, as their Champions League journey is only just beginning, but the Bernabeu may prove to be an overwhelming first step.
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