Thomas COEX
Shaken up for its debut in the Champions League, Real Madrid, the reigning European champion, overcame Stuttgart (3-1) on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu at the end of a pleasant match in which Kylian Mbappé was decisive for his first in the C1.
Madrid, held to a draw with just a few minutes to go, regained the lead thanks to German defender Antonio Rüdiger, who placed an unstoppable header from a Luka Modric corner (83rd, 2-1), before a third goal from the young Brazilian Endrick at the end of added time (90th+5, 3-1).
Like so many European clubs before them, Stuttgart, who came back into the game in the 68th minute through their goalscorer Deniz Undav, let their chance slip away and suffered the law of the King of Europe, despite a first half of high level which could have allowed them to go into the locker room with an advantage of one or two goals.
Encouraged by their thousands of supporters who had made the trip, the Germans, without any complexes for their first appearance in the Champions League since March 2010, in fact completely stifled the reigning champion during the first half hour of play, the latter only owing his salvation to his immense goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, author of four decisive saves to keep his team alive (2nd, 11th, 16th, 40th) and to a blocked shot from Denis Undav which crashed against his bar (28th).
Real, cut in two despite the returns to the starting eleven of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham who were supposed to bring some balance to the midfield, therefore suffered, but came out on top once again thanks to the individual talent of their attackers.
“It’s true that we suffered. But I don’t remember, in recent years, a single match in this competition where we didn’t suffer. (…) Nobody knows better than us what it’s like to win a Champions League while suffering,” recalled Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti after the match.
– Stuttgart showered in money-time –
The highly anticipated new “Galactics”, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, each tried in turn to unblock the situation during a first half at a crazy pace, but they lacked precision in the final move, or came up against the opposing goalkeeper Alexander Nübel.
Thomas COEX
It was not until the first seconds of the second half that Rodrygo – once again – got the better of German full-back Maximilian Mittelstadt and provided a pass to Mbappé, who only had to push the ball into the empty goal (46th, 1-0).
“I know I can do more. Every game I feel better and better and now I’m scoring goals! I’m happy here,” Mbappé told Movistar.
“The match was difficult, but it’s the Champions League, it’s always difficult. (…) The Champions League has changed and it was important to win quickly to see if we can qualify quickly or not,” he added.
After the French striker opened the scoring, Carlo Ancelotti’s men could have killed the match and continued to play, as they have done so often in recent seasons, but Vinicius saw his clear left-footed shot hit the bar (59th).
It was only a matter of time, until Rüdiger’s liberating header against his former club (83rd minute) and the audacious strike from 18-year-old Endrick (90th + 5, 3-1), which extinguished the German hopes, beaten like many others before them by experience on the legendary Bernabéu pitch.
– How did Kylian Mbappé perform in his first Champions League game for Real Madrid against Stuttgart?
Table of Contents
Real Madrid Overcomes Stuttgart in Thrilling Champions League Debut
Reigning European champions, Real Madrid, kicked off their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday. The highly anticipated match saw Kylian Mbappé score his first Champions League goal for the Spanish giants, as they came from behind to secure the win.
Stuttgart’s Impressive First Half
The German team, Stuttgart, making their first appearance in the Champions League since March 2010, put on an impressive display in the first half. With the support of their thousands of traveling fans, they stifled Real Madrid’s attacks and could have easily gone into the locker room with a one or two-goal advantage. Stuttgart’s forwards caused problems for Real’s defense, with Deniz Undav and his teammates creating several scoring opportunities.
Thibaut Courtois: The Unsung Hero
Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was the unsung hero of the first half, making four decisive saves to keep his team alive. The Belgian goalkeeper’s incredible reflexes and shot-stopping abilities prevented Stuttgart from taking the lead, with Denis Undav’s blocked shot crashing against the bar in the 28th minute.
Real Madrid’s Second-Half Resurgence
The second half saw Real Madrid come out with renewed energy, with Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo combining to break the deadlock just 46 seconds into the half. Mbappé’s clinical finish gave Real Madrid the lead, and the French forward’s goal marked his first in the Champions League for his new club.
German Defenders Undone
German defender, Antonio Rüdiger, scored his first goal for Real Madrid with a powerful header from a Luka Modric corner in the 83rd minute, putting the hosts back in the lead after Stuttgart had equalized through Deniz Undav in the 68th minute. The young Brazilian, Endrick, sealed the win for Real Madrid with a goal in added time, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Words of Wisdom
After the match, Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, reflected on the team’s performance, saying, “It’s true that we suffered. But I don’t remember, in recent years, a single match in this competition where we didn’t suffer. Nobody knows better than us what it’s like to win a Champions League while suffering.”
Kylian Mbappé’s Promising Start
Kylian Mbappé, who has been heavily criticized for his lack of goals since joining Real Madrid, seemed to have finally found his rhythm. The French forward told Movistar, “I know I can do more. Every game I feel better and better, and now I’m scoring goals! I’m happy here.”
The Champions League: Where Only the Strongest Survive
The thrilling encounter between Real Madrid and Stuttgart served as a reminder that the Champions League is a competition where only the strongest survive. Stuttgart’s brave performance ultimately came undone, as Real Madrid’s individual talent and experience in the competition proved too much for the German team to handle.
As the Champions League continues, fans can expect more thrilling encounters, stunning goals, and drama-filled matches. Will Real Madrid continue their dominance in the competition, or will new challengers emerge to take the throne? Only time will tell.
What was the significance of Kylian Mbappé’s goal in Real Madrid’s match against Stuttgart?
Real Madrid Overcomes Stuttgart in Champions League Debut with Mbappé’s Decisive Goal
In a thrilling match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid, the reigning European champion, secured a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart in their Champions League debut on Tuesday. Kylian Mbappé’s first goal in the competition was the turning point, and the team’s individual talent ultimately prevailed over Stuttgart’s impressive performance.
A High-Packed First Half
Stuttgart, making their first Champions League appearance since March 2010, started strong, dominating the first half hour of play. The Germans, backed by thousands of their supporters, stifled Real Madrid, with their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois making four crucial saves to keep his team alive. Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav also hit the bar with a blocked shot, leaving Real Madrid on edge.
Mbappé Breaks the Deadlock
The deadlock was finally broken in the first seconds of the second half when Rodrygo outpaced German full-back Maximilian Mittelstadt and provided a pass to Mbappé, who easily pushed the ball into the empty goal. This goal marked Mbappé’s first in the Champions League, and he expressed his joy and confidence in his post-match interview, stating, “I know I can do more. Every game I feel better and better and now I’m scoring goals! I’m happy here.”
Real Madrid Regains Control
After taking the lead, Real Madrid could have sealed the match, but they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Vinicius saw his clear left-footed shot saved, and Stuttgart took advantage of the reprieve, equalizing through Undav in the 68th minute. However, Real Madrid’s experience and talent ultimately prevailed, as German defender Antonio Rüdiger scored an unstoppable header from a Luka Modric corner in the 83rd minute, followed by a third goal from young Brazilian Endrick in added time.
Stuttgart’s Unrewarded Efforts
Stuttgart’s performance was impressive, but they ultimately fell victim to the law of the King of Europe. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, they failed to capitalize on their chances, and their efforts were left unrewarded. Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged his team’s struggles, saying, “It’s true that we suffered. But I don’t remember, in recent years, a single match in this competition where we didn’t suffer. (…) Nobody knows better than us what it’s like to win a Champions League while suffering.”
Key Takeaways
Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart in their Champions League debut.
Kylian Mbappé scored his first goal in the competition, providing the turning point in the match.
Stuttgart’s impressive performance was ultimately unrewarded, as they failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
Real Madrid’s individual talent and experience ultimately prevailed, securing their victory.
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