Real Madrid began their UEFA Champions League title defense with a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu, extending their unbeaten home streak in the competition to 14 matches.Stuttgart, having endured two relegations and only three top-half Bundesliga finishes since their last Champions League appearance in 2009/10, have emerged stronger under Sebastian Hoeness. After finishing second in the Bundesliga last season, their return to Europe’s top competition was marked by a daunting opener against the 15-time competition champions, Real Madrid, highlighting how far they’ve come.Facing the reigning champions in their iconic home stadium, Stuttgart refused to be overwhelmed, taking the game to Madrid early on. Within the opening 20 minutes, Thibaut Courtois was called into action three times, while Enzo Millot spurned a golden opportunity when one-on-one with the Belgian keeper. Despite the early pressure, it was only a matter of time before Real found their rhythm, creating chances of their own.UCL: Kane’s penalty fest, Olise’s flair and Kompany’s dream start with his men scoring nine!Kylian Mbappé, making his Champions League debut for Los Blancos, was a constant threat, forcing two saves from Alexander Nübel. Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header from a corner was well-handled by the Stuttgart keeper, and Maximilian Mittelstädt made a crucial block to deflect Rodrygo’s effort over the bar. At the other end, Stuttgart came close to a breakthrough when Deniz Undav’s deflected shot struck the crossbar. A controversial moment came soon after when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty for what appeared to be a foul on Antonio Rüdiger by Mittelstädt. However, after reviewing the incident via the pitchside monitor, referee Halil Umut Meler correctly overturned the decision, finding no contact between the players.Real Madrid’s quality often proves decisive, and just 30 seconds into the second half, they demonstrated their clinical nature. Winning possession quickly, Rodrygo set up Mbappé for a simple tap-in, marking the Frenchman’s first Champions League goal for the club. Mbappé continued to test Nübel, and Vinícius Júnior rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike, but Stuttgart were not done yet. Courtois was called upon to make a crucial save from Jamie Leweling, as Stuttgart showed they were determined to fight back.🚨🚨| GOAL: MBAPPE GIVES MADRID THE LEAD!!!Real Madrid 1-0 Stuttgart pic.twitter.com/jOPVz6OIxX— CentreMadrid. (@centreofmadrid) September 17, 2024 Stuttgart’s persistence paid off when they found an equalizer. From a corner, an unmarked Leweling sent a cross to the far post, where Undav headed in to ignite celebrations among the 4,000 traveling Stuttgart fans. The match tightened up from there, but Real Madrid, as they often do, found a way to prevail. From a Luka Modrić corner, Rüdiger rose to head home against his former club, restoring Real’s lead. Substitute Endrick then sealed the win on his Champions League debut, finishing off a counterattack to secure all three points for the hosts.🚨🚨| GOAL: UNDAV WITH THE EQUALISER!!Real Madrid 1-1 Stuttgart pic.twitter.com/MS2UgioX9j— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) September 17, 2024 🚨🚨| GOAL: RUDIGER GIVES MADRID THE LEAD!!!Real Madrid 2-1 Stuttgart pic.twitter.com/zacx5TiIFJ— CentreMadrid. (@centreofmadrid) September 17, 2024 Hoeness’ side will have been disappointed to concede late, but their performance against the defending champions will give them confidence going forward. Meanwhile, Madrid’s composure under pressure once again showed why they remain favorites to lift the trophy.🚨🚨| GOAL: ENDRICK MAKES IT THREE!!!Real Madrid 3-1 Stuttgart pic.twitter.com/9UNY9bHttP— CentreMadrid. (@centreofmadrid) September 17, 2024 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 1TuesdayJuventus – PSV 3-1 (2-0)/Yildiz 21, McKennie 27, Gonzales 52 – Saibari 90+3/Young Boys – Aston Villa 0-3 (0-2)/Tielemans 27, Ramsey 38, Onana 85/AC Milan – Liverpool 1-3 (1-2)/Pulisic 3 – Konate 23, van Dijk 41, Szoboszlai 67/Bayern – Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 (3-0)/Kane 19 pen, 58, 63 pen, 78 pen Guerreiro 33, Olise 38, 61, Sane 85, Goretzka 90+2 – Petkovic 49, Ogiwara 50/Real Madrid – Stuttgart 3-1 (0-0)/Mbappe 46, Rudiger 83, Endrick 90+5 – Undav 68/Sporting – Lille 2-0 (1-0)/Gyokeres 38, Debast 65/Wednesday19:45: (1.95) Bologna (3.60) Shakhtar (4.30)19:45: (2.45) Sparta Praha (3.40) Salzburg (2.85)22:00: (1.37) Celtic (5.20) Slovan B. (10.0)22:00: (3.80) Club Brugge (3.50) Dortmund (2.10)22:00: (1.55) Man.City (4.10) Inter (6.00)22:00: (1.42) PSG (4.60) Girona (7.50)Thursday19:45: (4.20) Crvena Zvezda (3.60) Benfica (1.95)19:45: (4.40) Feyenoord (3.70) Leverkusen (1.80)22:00: (4.10) Atalanta (3.50) Arsenal (1.90)22:00: (1.80) Atl.Madrid (3.60) RB Leipzig (4.60)22:00: (1.90) Brest (3.60) Sturm (4.50)22:00: (4.60) Monaco (3.60) Barcelona (1.80)***odds are subject to change***
