Real Madrid began their defense of the UEFA Champions League title with a 3-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu, extending their unbeaten home run in the competition to 14 games. The German side, returning to the UCL after more than a decade, put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell short against the 15-time champions.
Stuttgart, despite their long absence from Europe’s elite competition, showed their intent early on, forcing Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into several saves in the first 20 minutes. Enzo Millot had the best chance to give Stuttgart the lead but missed a one-on-one with Courtois. Despite this bright start, Real Madrid gradually took control.
Kylian Mbappé, making his Champions League debut for Real Madrid, was a constant threat. He twice tested Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel and came close with other efforts, including an Aurélien Tchouaméni header and a blocked shot from Rodrygo. Stuttgart had a scare when Antonio Rüdiger appeared to win a penalty after a collision with Maximilian Mittelstädt, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
Real Madrid broke the deadlock just after halftime, with Mbappé scoring his first UCL goal for the club after a quick transition. Stuttgart responded bravely, and Deniz Undav headed home a Jamie Leweling cross to level the match at 1-1.
However, Real Madrid’s experience proved decisive. Antonio Rüdiger headed in from a Luka Modrić corner to regain the lead before Endrick sealed the victory with a goal on his UCL debut in the closing minutes.
Despite the defeat, Stuttgart’s spirited performance in their return to the Champions League will give them confidence moving forward, while Real Madrid showed why they remain favorites to lift the trophy again.
