Mbappé, Rüdiger, and Endrick Save Real Madrid’s Champions League Opener Amid Mixed Performance
Real Madrid Begins Champions League with Hard-Fought 3-1 Win Against Stuttgart
Real Madrid kicked off their 2024-25 Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart, overcoming defensive lapses with key goals from Mbappé, Rüdiger, and Endrick.
Carlo Ancelotti made four changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Tchouaméni and Bellingham after their injury absences and positioning Carvajal as a center-back to rest Militao. Despite a shaky start and a well-organized Stuttgart, Madrid gradually found their rhythm.
A Challenging Start
Stuttgart started strong, with Courtois forced into several key saves. Meanwhile, Madrid had moments of brilliance but struggled with defensive coordination. Tchouaméni missed a good early chance, and Courtois kept the score level with a crucial stop.
Controversy and Missed Calls
The first half saw some controversial decisions, including a missed penalty call for a foul on Bellingham. A later penalty awarded for a push on Rüdiger was overturned by VAR. Despite these moments, the teams went into halftime tied 0-0.
Mbappé Breaks the Deadlock
Madrid returned with renewed energy after halftime. Within just 22 seconds, Mbappé opened the scoring, finishing off a brilliant move involving Tchouaméni and Rodrygo. However, the early goal didn’t bring the expected control, and Stuttgart soon equalized with a header from Undav.
Rüdiger and Endrick Seal the Win
As the match wore on, Madrid struggled but found a lifeline through Rüdiger, who scored a crucial header from a corner in the 83rd minute. In stoppage time, Endrick added the third goal, confidently taking a shot from outside the box, showing his audacity and skill.
Despite an inconsistent performance, Real Madrid secured three valuable points to start their Champions League defense on a high note.
Lineups:
- Real Madrid (3): Courtois; Lucas Vázquez (Militao 46’), Carvajal, Rüdiger, Mendy (Fran García 75’); Tchouaméni (Modric 69’), Valverde, Bellingham (Endrick 80’); Vinicius, Rodrygo (Güler 75’), Mbappé
- Stuttgart (1): Nübel; Vagnoman (Fuhrich 62’), Rouault, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Leweling (Chieser 63’), Stiller, Karazor; Millot, Undav, Führich
Goals:
- 1-0: Mbappé (46′)
- 1-1: Undav (67′)
- 2-1: Rüdiger (83′)
- 3-1: Endrick (92′)
Referee: Umut Meler
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu
