Real Madrid kicked off their 2024-25 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory against Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu. Key players like Kylian Mbappé and Antonio Rüdiger were instrumental in securing the win, despite the team experiencing defensive vulnerabilities and a shaky start. Thibaut Courtois's crucial saves kept Madrid in the game, highlighting ongoing defensive challenges.
Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champions League title holders, faced a challenging start to their 2024-25 campaign. Despite defensive struggles and a formidable challenge from Stuttgart, late goals from Antonio Rüdiger and newcomer Endrick ensured a 3-1 victory for Madrid. This match highlighted both the strengths and areas of concern for Carlo Ancelotti's squad as they aim to defend their title.
The match at Santiago Bernabéu saw Real Madrid overcome a resilient Stuttgart with a 3-1 scoreline. The game started with Stuttgart applying significant pressure, but Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several critical saves to keep the game level. Kylian Mbappé scored early in the second half, followed by Stuttgart's Deniz Undav equalizing. However, late goals from Rüdiger and Endrick sealed the victory for Madrid.
Real Madrid's defensive line was under scrutiny as Stuttgart exploited gaps, particularly targeting makeshift center-back Dani Carvajal. The return of Éder Militão in the second half brought some stability, but the team's overall defensive performance raised concerns. Manager Carlo Ancelotti's tactical adjustments, including substitutions and formation changes, were pivotal in shifting the momentum of the game.
Thibaut Courtois's performance was a standout, making numerous saves to deny Stuttgart. His efforts were crucial in keeping Madrid in the match, especially during the periods when the defense was overwhelmed. Looking ahead, Madrid faces the challenge of strengthening their defensive strategies and maintaining consistency to ensure a successful defense of their Champions League title.
Real Madrid's victory against Stuttgart sets a positive tone for their Champions League campaign, although it also highlights areas needing improvement. The team will need to address its defensive vulnerabilities and rely less on individual heroics to navigate the challenges of the tournament. The integration of new talents like Mbappé and the strategic acumen of Ancelotti will be key factors in their quest for consecutive titles.
"They pressed hard against us in the beginning and we suffered, sometimes by our own mistakes, but we got better and should have scored on many occasions." - Thibaut Courtois