Real Madrid kicked off their Champions League campaign with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu. The match saw standout performances from Antonio Rudiger and young sensation Endrick, who became the youngest South American to score on his Champions League debut. Despite a strong challenge from Stuttgart, Real Madrid’s resilience and late goals secured them a crucial win in their quest to defend their title.
A Hard-Fought Battle
The match began with Stuttgart pressing hard, creating several scoring opportunities that tested Real Madrid’s defense. Thibaut Courtois was instrumental in keeping the German side at bay with a series of crucial saves. Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with Stuttgart dominating possession and looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
Real Madrid’s breakthrough came early in the second half when Kylian Mbappe scored his first Champions League goal for the club. The goal was a result of a swift counter-attack, with Rodrygo providing the assist. Stuttgart, however, did not back down and continued to press, eventually finding an equalizer through Deniz Undav’s header.
Late Goals Seal the Win
As the match progressed, Real Madrid began to assert more control, but Stuttgart remained a constant threat. The turning point came in the 83rd minute when Antonio Rudiger headed in a corner from Luka Modric, giving Real Madrid a 2-1 lead. This goal shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the home side.
In the dying moments of the match, 18-year-old Endrick sealed the victory with a powerful long-range shot, making history as Real Madrid’s youngest Champions League scorer. His goal not only secured the win but also highlighted his potential as a future star for the club.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid’s victory over Stuttgart sets a positive tone for their Champions League campaign. The team’s ability to overcome a strong opponent and secure a win despite not being at their best is a testament to their resilience and depth. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be pleased with the result but will undoubtedly look to address the defensive lapses that allowed Stuttgart to create numerous chances.
The win also provides a confidence boost for the players, especially the younger talents like Endrick, who will be crucial as the season progresses. Real Madrid fans will be eager to see how the team builds on this performance in their upcoming fixtures.
