The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League League Phase match between Real Madrid and VfB Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu was a thrilling encounter. Both teams showed their determination, with Real Madrid emerging victorious 3-1, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, and Endrick. Stuttgart displayed a fighting spirit, equalizing through Deniz Undav before Real Madrid’s late surge sealed the win.
In this Champions League opener, Real Madrid, the reigning champions, kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought win over VfB Stuttgart. Real Madrid, looking to defend their crown, faced a determined Stuttgart side that pressed hard from the beginning, but the home team secured a crucial three points to start their European journey.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Head to Head
Real Madrid and VfB Stuttgart have met on several occasions in European competitions, but this match marked their first meeting in the revamped 2024-25 UEFA Champions League League Phase. Stuttgart had proven to be a tricky opponent in the past, but Real Madrid’s European pedigree always made them favorites on home soil.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Lineups
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart lineups today (Sep 17, 2024) for their 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, League Phase match:
Real Madrid Starting XI (4-3-3)
| Real Madrid Lineups – Player Position | Player |
| Goalkeeper | Thibaut Courtois |
| Right-back | Lucas Vázquez |
| Centre-back | Dani Carvajal |
| Centre-back | Antonio Rüdiger |
| Left-back | Ferland Mendy |
| Defensive Midfield | Aurélien Tchouaméni |
| Central Midfield | Federico Valverde |
| Attacking Midfield | Jude Bellingham |
| Right Wing | Rodrygo |
| Left Wing | Vinícius Júnior |
| Centre Forward | Kylian Mbappé |
Substitutes:
- Andriy Lunin (GK)
- Éder Militão (on for Lucas Vázquez, 45′)
- Fran García (on for Ferland Mendy, 76′)
- Luka Modric (on for Aurélien Tchouaméni, 70′)
- Arda Güler (on for Rodrygo, 75′)
- Endrick (on for Jude Bellingham, 80′)
VfB Stuttgart Starting XI (3-4-2-1)
| VfB Stuttgart Lineups – Player Position | Player |
| Goalkeeper | Alexander Nübel |
| Centre-back | Anthony Rouault |
| Centre-back | Jeff Chabot |
| Centre-back | Maximilian Mittelstädt |
| Right Wing-back | Josha Vagnoman |
| Central Midfield | Atakan Karazor |
| Central Midfield | Angelo Stiller |
| Left Wing-back | Chris Führich |
| Attacking Midfield | Enzo Millot |
| Attacking Midfield | Jamie Leweling |
| Striker | Deniz Undav |
Substitutes:
- Florian Müller (GK)
- Fabian Rieder (on for Chris Führich, 63′)
- Anrie Chase (on for Josha Vagnoman, 63′)
- Ermedin Demirović (on for Enzo Millot, 75′)
- El Bilal Touré (on for Deniz Undav, 76′)
- Dan-Axel Zagadou (on for Anthony Rouault, 89′)
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Half-Time Overview: Real Madrid 0-0 VfB Stuttgart
The first half saw an aggressive Stuttgart pushing Madrid’s defense to its limits. Courtois was forced into several saves to deny Jamie Leweling, Enzo Millot, and Angelo Stiller. Despite their best efforts, Real Madrid struggled to break down the visitors’ defense, with Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé missing key chances. The half ended scoreless, but it was clear that both teams were capable of more.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Full-Time Overview: Real Madrid 3-1 VfB Stuttgart
The second half started with a bang as Kylian Mbappé netted the opening goal for Real Madrid in the 46th minute, assisted by Rodrygo after a defensive mistake by Stuttgart. Stuttgart responded well and equalized through a brilliant header by Deniz Undav in the 68th minute.
However, Madrid fought back, with Antonio Rüdiger scoring a towering header from a Luka Modric corner in the 83rd minute to put the hosts ahead. The game was sealed in injury time when Endrick, the young Brazilian, blasted a long-range shot past Nübel in the 90’+5 minute.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Stats
| Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Stats | Real Madrid | VfB Stuttgart |
| Goals | 3 | 1 |
| Possession | 54% | 46% |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 6 |
| Total Shots | 17 | 13 |
| Corners | 8 | 5 |
| Fouls | 15 | 13 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 0 |
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Timeline
- 45’+5: First Half ends, 0-0.
- 46′: Goal! Kylian Mbappé opens the scoring for Real Madrid, assisted by Rodrygo (1-0).
- 63′: Stuttgart makes key substitutions, bringing on Anrie Chase and Fabian Rieder to bolster their attack.
- 68′: Goal! Deniz Undav equalizes with a header for Stuttgart (1-1).
- 70′: Real Madrid substitutes Luka Modric for Tchouaméni and Militão for Vázquez, adjusting their defense.
- 83′: Goal! Antonio Rüdiger scores with a header from Modric’s corner (2-1).
- 90’+5: Goal! Endrick scores from outside the box to seal the win for Madrid (3-1).
- 90’+7: Full time, Real Madrid 3-1 VfB Stuttgart.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Goals
- 46′ – Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé (1-0)
- 68′ – VfB Stuttgart: Deniz Undav (1-1)
- 83′ – Real Madrid: Antonio Rüdiger (2-1)
- 90’+5 – Real Madrid: Endrick (3-1)
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Impact on the Points Table
The victory gave Real Madrid a crucial 3 points, placing them at the top of their group in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League League Phase. Meanwhile, VfB Stuttgart, despite their impressive performance, left Madrid empty-handed and remained without points after their first match.
| Team | Played | Points |
| Real Madrid | 1 | 3 |
| VfB Stuttgart | 1 | 0 |
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Man of the Match: Thibaut Courtois
Though Madrid’s attack eventually broke through Stuttgart’s defense, it was Thibaut Courtois’ incredible saves that kept them in the game, especially in the first half. His decisive goalkeeping earned him the man of the match award.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart delivered a thrilling contest in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League. Stuttgart’s resilient performance made it difficult for the reigning champions, but Real Madrid’s quality shone through in the end. With crucial goals from Mbappé, Rüdiger, and Endrick, the Spanish side started their title defense on the right foot, while Stuttgart will look to bounce back in their next outing.
