Real Madrid secured a 3-1 win over Stuttgart in their opening UEFA Champions League match, but they left it until late to seal the victory. Kylian Mbappe, making his debut for Real Madrid in the competition, scored the opening goal. Deniz Undav later equalized for Stuttgart. However, late goals from Antonio Rudiger and substitute Endrick ensured the win for Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Kylian Mbappe made a memorable UEFA Champions League debut for Real Madrid with a goal and a win, as they narrowly beat Stuttgart 3-1 at the Bernabeu.
Mbappe scored just after halftime, finishing off a cross from Rodrygo. However, Stuttgart equalized with a header from Deniz Undav in the 68th minute. The match looked set to end in a draw, but Real Madrid snatched victory when Antonio Rudiger, a former youth player for Stuttgart, scored with a header from a Luka Modric corner with seven minutes left.
Endrick came off the bench late in the game to score a third goal and secure a 3-1 win for Real Madrid over Stuttgart. His long-range shot found its way past goalkeeper Alexander Nubel deep into stoppage time, dashing any hopes Stuttgart had of a comeback.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team, the defending champions, looked a bit disjointed at times as their star-studded attack struggled to find its rhythm. However, the Madrid fans were thrilled to see their new striker, Kylian Mbappe, score on his Champions League debut in the iconic white shirt.
Thibaut Courtois made several key saves as Stuttgart continuously tested him, but the visitors couldn’t find their finishing touch. Real Madrid managed to steal the points on matchday one.
Jamie Leweling was a key figure for Stuttgart, with several chances falling his way. He had the first shot of the game, testing Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois just four minutes in, as Stuttgart surprisingly took the initiative.
Enzo Millot missed a big opportunity in the 10th minute when he broke through but shot wide. Angelo Stiller also had a one-on-one chance against Courtois but was denied by the Belgian goalkeeper.
Madrid were initially awarded a penalty for a questionable foul by Max Mittelstadt on Antonio Rudiger following a corner. However, VAR overturned the decision, much to the relief of the German fans.
Real Madrid’s fans grew restless as their team struggled in both attack and defense. Stuttgart had another chance before halftime when Undav set up Leweling, who tested Courtois again.
In the second half, Stuttgart’s high defensive line was exposed. A precise pass from Aurelien Tchouameni found Rodrygo, who crossed for Kylian Mbappe to score and give Madrid a slightly fortuitous lead.
Stuttgart responded with a deserved equalizer when Undav headed in a goal after sustained pressure from Madrid. However, Madrid’s late resilience shone through. Antonio Rudiger headed in a Luka Modric corner, and Endrick added a third goal with a low shot, sealing the win for Real Madrid.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Madrid: Courtois 8, Vazquez 5, Carvajal 5, Rudiger 7, Mendy 5, Tchouameni 6, Valverde 6, Bellingham 6, Vinicius 6, Mbappe 6, Rodrygo 7. Subs: Modric 6, Militao 7, Guler 6, Garcia 6, Endrick 7.
Stuttgart: Nubel 7, Vagnoman 7, Rouault 7, Chabot 7, Mittelstadt 7, Stiller 6, Karazor 7, Millot 7, Leweling 7, Fuhrich 7, Undav 7. Subs: Rieder 6, Chase 6, Toure 6, Demirovic 6, Zagadou 6.
Check Also: Harry Kane Shatters Records with Four Goals in Bayern Munich’s Historic 9-2 Win Over Dinamo Zagreb
