By Reigning Champions League titleholders Real Madrid begin their quest for a record-extending 16th European crown as they host German side Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
This match marks the inaugural fixture of the Champions League’s new league phase format and the first-ever meeting between these two clubs in European competition.
Real Madrid, fresh off their 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in last season’s final at Wembley, enter the match with an impressive record against German opposition. The Spanish giants have lost just one of their last 21 Champions League encounters with German teams, winning 14.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side comes into the match in strong form, having extended their unbeaten start to the season to six games across all competitions with a 2-0 away win against Real Sociedad in La Liga. However, they currently trail rivals Barcelona by four points in the domestic standings.
Stuttgart, making their return to the Champions League after a 15-year absence, face a daunting task in their opening fixture. The German side, who finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga last season, have been drawn into a challenging group that also includes Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atalanta.
The visitors arrive in Madrid with a mixed start to their domestic campaign, having secured their first Bundesliga win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend.
Key Player Focus:
All eyes will be on Kylian Mbappe, set to make his Champions League debut for Real Madrid. The French superstar, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile summer transfer, boasts an impressive record of 48 goals in 73 Champions League appearances for his previous clubs.
Team News:
Real Madrid have been dealing with injury concerns, particularly in midfield. Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni have returned to training after missing recent matches, including international duty. However, Brahim Diaz is expected to be sidelined for about eight weeks due to a muscle injury sustained in the weekend’s La Liga match.
Stuttgart will be without defender Ameen Al Dakhil, who is yet to make his debut for the club. Leonidas Stergiou is nearing a return from a back issue, while Nikolas Nartey and Frans Kratzig are unlikely to feature until October.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
Stuttgart (4-4-2): Nubel; Vagnoman, Chase, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Rieder; Demirovic, Undav
Match Prediction:
Real Madrid’s formidable home record in the Champions League, combined with their depth of talent, makes them strong favorites. The Spanish side has scored in their last 73 home matches in the competition, with CSKA Moscow being the last team to keep a clean sheet at the Bernabeu six years ago.
While Stuttgart’s attack, led by in-form striker Ermedin Demirovic, could pose threats, Real Madrid’s experience and quality should see them through.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 3-1 Stuttgart
The match kicks off at 21:00 local time (CET) at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
