Real Madrid began their UEFA Champions League title defense with a statement victory over German side VFB Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The first half was pretty much a tale of nothingness from both sides, as Real Madrid and VFB Stuttgart never really troubled each other.
The highlight of the first period was a penalty not handed to Los Blancos after Antonio Rudiger appeared to have been fouled in the box.
Referee Halil Meler initially pointed to the spot for a penalty to Real Madrid; however, following a VAR review with the man with the whistle also heading to the pitch side monitor to take a look, the decision was rescinded.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side look to be struggling with creativity this season and this has been evident in much of their matches.
It seems the Spanish giants are missing the services of German great Toni Kross, who retired from football at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Kylian Mbappe Netted The Opener In The Game Involving Real Madrid And VFB Stuttgart
Real Madrid managed to get themselves in front in the 46th minute, with Kylian Mbappe registering the first goal of the game.
Mbappe put Los Merengues ahead quickly after the restart, following a squared pass into his path by Rodrygo Goes, with the former only needing to apply a tap-in at the far post.
Kylian Mbappe has now scored 49 UEFA Champions League goals and he becomes the 9th top scorer in the competition’s history.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side had an attempt from Vinicius Jr which struck the bar in the 59th minute, before Deniz Undav equalized for Stuttgart with a power header following a fantastic delivery off a corner sent into the box by Jamie Leweling.
Antonio Rudiger doubled the lead for Real Madrid, with a headed goal after an inviting cross was delivered into the area by Luka Modric.
Luka Modric Etches His Name Into History With Assist For Rudiger’s Header
At 39 years and 8 days, Luka Modric also became the third oldest player to assist a goal in the history of the UEFA Champions League, after Ryan Giggs (39 years 363 days) and Amedeo Carboni (39 years and 176 days).
The Croatian is ageing like fine wine and Los Blancos will be banking on his creativity going into their subsequent matches.
Endrick Secures 3 Points For Real Madrid And Pens His Name Into History At The Club
Endrick sealed the win for Los Blancos, securing his second goal of the season with a breathtaking solo effort after receiving a pass from veteran defender Dani Carvajal.
The 18-year-old assisted Real Madrid to a needed win just a day after getting married to partner Gabriely Miranda.
Endrick also made history for Real Madrid by becoming their youngest goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League.
Additionally, the Brazil international has only needed 23 minutes to net 2 goals for Real Madrid in an competitions, certainly an amazing goal return, having scored for Los Blancos in his La Liga debut as well.
Despite not bossing the game in terms of possession, they showed their X factor, with key players in the team showing why they are the defending champions of the UEFA Champions League.
Who Won The Player of the Match For The Game Between Real Madrid And VFB Stuttgart?
Meanwhile, Belgian goalie Thibaut Courtois claimed the Player of the Match award for the match between Real Madrid and Stuttgart, having accentuated his qualities between the sticks for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Real Madrid’s Position On The UEFA Champions League League Table?
Anyway, Los Merengues occupy the 5th spot in the UEFA Champions League league phase, behind Juventus, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid sit 5th with 3 points and a +2 goal difference, the same number of points and goal differential as Juventus and Liverpool.
Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are placed 2nd and 1st respectively with the same points as Los Blancos but with a better goal difference of +3 and +7.
