Real Madrid 3-1 VfB Stuttgart: summary, score, goals, highlights Champions League
Real Madrid - VfB Stuttgart: Live updates
Real Madrid battle to opening night UCL win.
Stuttgart started as the stronger of the two teams and could easily have led in the opening stages, denied by a string of Thibaut Courtois saves. Real Madrid were a bit fortunate to be level at the break but they needed just 30 seconds of the second half to take the lead, Kylian Mbappe poking the ball home for his first UCL goal for his new team.
Stuttgart, however, were not cowed and they levelled the game with a Deniz Undav header midway through the second half. That set up a thrilling finale and Antonio Rudiger, taking on his former club, rose highest from a corner kick to nod Madrid ahead. In the final moments substitute Endrick fired home from 25 yards to claim his first UCL goal and secure the three points for his team.
The 15-time European champions began the new season of Champions League action with a thrilling home victory against Stuttgart. Coming up in the 'league phase' they've got games against Liverpool, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, a rematch of last year's UCL final.
Here's what we've got to look forward to in the coming months...
It was bound to happen, wasn't it? Kylian Mbappe needed just over 45 minutes to score his first Champions League goal in the white of Real Madrid. That takes his tally of UCL goals to 49, an incredible total for a 25-year-old.
Just days after revealing that he is now a married man, Endrick scores his first Champions League goal on his UCL debut. All this, and he only turned 18 in July.
Kylian Mbappe goal puts him level with Real Madrid legend.
In many ways, it was the perfect opening night for Kylian Mbappe's Champions League career with Real Madrid. A goal and a win at the Santiago Bernabeu, kick-starting Los Blancos' pursuit of a 16th European crown.
Endrick goal gives Real Madrid UCL win.
The 18-year-old came off the bench for his first Champions League appearance this evening and wasted little time, rifling the ball past Nubel from the edge of the box to secure the three point.
Endrick's incredible start to his Real Madrid career continues.
Dramatic late show sees off spirited Stuttgart.
Real Madrid did not always convince but they got the job done at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring two late goals to secure a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart in the first game of their Champions League 'league phase' journey.
Full time: Real Madrid 3-1 Stuttgart
And there we have it. Real Madrid come out on top in a thrilling opening night of UCL action.
Real Madrid won the ball back on the edge of the own box and Endrick drove forward with the ball, approaching the edge of the Stuttgart box and firing low and hard past Nubel.
A sensational start to his Champions League career!
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Endrick
Stunning strike from the 18-year old and Real Madrid have the victory!
A first Champions League goal for Endrick.
Huge chance for Vinicius!
Real Madrid break with Endrick on the right, playing the ball through to Vinicius as he runs in on goal.
It's a one-on-one for the Brazilian, but Nubel stands up well for Stuttgart and makes the save.
Good defensive work from Mbappe to pinch the ball off Stuttgart in the midfield, slowing down their progression forward.
Another Stuttgart cross is curled into the box by Karazar but it's a little over-hit and bounces out for a goal kick.
Courtois will take his time with this.
Fran Garcia is forced to do some last-gasp defending at the back post to clear the ball for a corner kick.
The Stuttgart delivery is a good one but Madrid manage to repel the ball.
We're going to have five minutes of added time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Dogged defending from Stuttgart to win the ball back and they're straight on the counter-attack, firing the ball upfield.
They get Leweling in a good crossing position on the left and he swings a cross in towards El Bilal Toure, who can't direct his header on target.
The corner kick is repelled by Stuttgart but Real Madrid are back on the ball now, content with keeping it near the corner flag.
This is where their experience becomes so crucial.
Real Madrid have the chance to break, Endrick bringing the ball forward. He finds Modric in the middle and the Croatian retains possession, eventually winning his team a corner kick.
Stuttgart push forward with renewed intensity now, trying to work some space on the edge of the box for a shot. Even Endrick is back defending on the edge of his own box and he puts in an important tackle.
It's harsh on Stuttgart, who have acquitted themselves brilliantly this evening, but it's Real Madrid in the Champions League. Can the hosts drag themselves back into this game?
Antonio Rudiger goal nods Real Madrid ahead.
The Santiago Bernabeu erupts as the big defender gives his side the lead as we head into the final stages of this thrilling, pulsating game.
Is there any more to come??
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Antonio Rudiger
The defender rises highest and nods the ball home from the corner kick.
Rudiger against his former team! Incredible!
Brilliant defending from Fabian Reider to block the run of Vinicius.
The Real Madrid man regains possession and wins his team a corner kick. Luka Modric to take...
Confirmation. Jude Bellingham is replaced by Endrick for Real Madrid.
Brazilian 18-year-old Endrick is being readied by Real Madrid.
This will be his Champions League debut. Can the Endrick fairy tale continue?
Fede Valverde
The Real Madrid midfielder flies into a challenge with Fabian Rieder in the midfielder, clattering into the Stuttgart player.
A very, very deserved booking for the Uruguayan.
Changes too for Stuttgart. Deniz Undav and Chris Fullrich come off. Ermedin Demirovic and El Bilal Toure enter the fray.
Another Madrid double change. Fran Garcia and Arda Guler enter for the hosts. Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy come off.
Out of nowhere, a long pass forward from Madrid nearly finds Mbappe racing in behind. Nubel storms off his line to intercept and clears well.
Real Madrid are looking pinned back in their own half, struggling to play the ball up-field amid a fierce press from Stuttgart.
The balance of play looks to be swinging back in the favour of the visitors.
Stuttgart have got a little of their first half rhythm back now.
The visitors knock the ball around coolly in the Real Madrid half, before swinging a cross into the middle. Eder Militao heads the ball clear.
We've really got a game on now, both teams will rightly think that they've got a chance of snatching the three points in the final 20 minutes.
That goal nudges Carlo Ancelotti into action.
Tchouameni is coming off. Luka Modric is on.
There's a brief VAR check for offside but the goal will stand.
It was Julian Chabot who won the first ball from the corner kick, nodding it back across the face of goal from Deniz Undav in the middle.
The away support is in raptures up in one corner of the Bernabeu.
Big chance for Stuttgart!
Karazar does well to get forward on the right and pull a dangerous ball back across the face of the Madrid goal. Leweling strikes at the back post but it's deflected wide for a corner kick.
Madrid work the ball to Bellingham on the right of the box. He dummies one, twice, trying to make space for a shot but it never materialises.
Stuttgart get the ball clear.
Jude Bellingham is caught late by Atakan Karazar on the halfway line. Free kick to the hosts.
Foul on Vinicius now, right in front of the technical areas. It was a late challenge from Josha Vagnonman.
Vinicius hits the crossbar!
Carvajal finds Vinicius in a pocket of space on the edge of the box. He shifts the ball onto his left foot and fires on goal, striking the crossbar from 20 yards.
So close to a second for Madrid.
Stuttgart struggling to get a hold of the ball now, a stark contrast from the first half.
Madrid come forward again with Carvajal and Rodrygo on the right.
Dogged defending from Ferland Mendy to withstand pressure from Jamie Leweling on the flank.
Rudiger floats a cross-field pass out to Carvajal on the right. The captain cushions a first-time pass back to Tchouameni. Bellingham drifts around looking to pick up the ball.
Real Madrid have their swagger back now, after a flat first half.
Back to the action, there's space for Rodrygo on the right side of the box. He tries to fashion an angle for the shot but it's blocked by the recovering Stuttgart defender.
First UCL game for Real Madrid, first Kylian Mbappe goal.
Just seconds into the second half, the Frenchman finds the back of the net for Madrid.
That early goal has completely transformed the atmosphere at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid are up and running now. The holders are purring.
The corner kick is headed clear by Julian Chabot. Another Real Madrid corner kick.
Tchouameni wins the first header and Bellingham tries a bicycle kick. The Englishman can't connect.
Real Madrid are in again, Mbappe racing through on the right. He tries to give Nubel the eyes and slot the ball in at the near post but the Stuttgart keeper does well to push it wide.
Corner to Real Madrid!
Rodrygo was set free on the right with a brilliant pass from Tchouameni. The Brazilian surged in behind the Stuttgart backline and squared the ball for Mbappe, who tapped the ball into an empty net!
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Kylian Mbappe!
The perfect start to the second half for Real Madrid. Mbappe has the goal!
And we're back.
Real Madrid get the second half underway. Big improvement needed.
It's Lucas Vasquez coming off! He's replaced by Eder Militao.
Are Real Madrid preparing a change?
Dani Carvajal was clearly struggling with a knock towards the end of of the first half and Eder Militao is going through some intense stretching ahead of the second half.
For now, Carvajal will continue. But it remains to be seen how long he can manage.
Real Madrid struggle against Stuttgart.
Here's the stats from the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu. A very assured performance from the visitors, who managed to create plenty of shooting chances against the reigning European champions.
The referee initially awarded the penalty before taking another look on the VAR screen. / Movistar
Real Madrid's penalty reversal.
They scarcely deserved it, but Real Madrid thought they had the perfect opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty kick midway through the first half.
Antonio Rudiger went to ground after a challenge from Mittelstadt. However on second viewing it appeared that any contact between the Stuttgart defender and Rudiger was minimal, and the referee decided to reverse his decision.
Thibaut Courtois made to work.
That was the story of the early stages, Stuttgart peppering the Real Madrid goal. As the half wore on Real Madrid did begin to make chances of their own but it was far from convincing from the reigning champions.
Half time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
There we are. A lively first half of action, one that Stuttgart will be the happier with. Real Madrid need improvement.
Real Madrid win a late corner kick. Rodrygo swings it in but it's cleared to Valverde on the edge.
He snatches at his shot and it bounces wide of the target.
Vinicius Jr is penalised for a clumsy challenge on the left flank. Free kick to Stuttgart, a chance for Angelo Stiller to deliver with quality?
Nope. The cross is easily cleared.
Is there one last chance for the visitors? Stuttgart have looked like the better team over the first 45 minutes and really should be ahead.
We're going to have another four minutes at the end of a breathless first half.
Brilliant through-ball from Bellingham to play in Mbappe behind the backline. The Frenchman tries to make space for a shot but he takes it too wide and the ball runs out of play for a goal kick.
Dani Carvajal
The Real Madrid captain is down, receiving treatment on the field. He appears to be holding his stomach.
For once it's Stuttgart who are caught on the ball at the back and there's an opening for Mbappe.
Only briefly though, and the Frenchman is swiftly crowded out by recovering defenders.
Courtois called into action again for Real Madrid.
Another loose pass at the back from Madrid and Stuttgart are in again! This time it's Enzo Millot who tries his luck, forcing another sharp stop from the Belgian.
Real Madrid are riding their luck!
Stuttgart relieved with reversal of 'supposed' foul.
The official Stuttgart account is delighted to see that their team are spared an unfortunate first half penalty.
On second viewing, the referee decides that there was no significant contact from Mittelstadt on Rudiger there. And rightly so, the big defender went to ground very, very easily against his former team.
The referee is taking his time here...
Decision made - NO PENALTY!
VAR - Checking penalty decision
Hold on, the referee is heading over to the VAR screen to reassess his decision.
What will he see?
Who will take the penalty for Real Madrid?
Bellingham? Mbappe? Vinicius? They've got some decent options.
PENALTY TO REAL MADRID!
But now it is a penalty!
Middelstadt steps on Rudiger in the box and the referee points to the spot!
The hosts hurl in another cross towards Jude Bellingham. The English jumps for the ball but he takes a tumble.
Penalty!? Referee says no. As does VAR.
Real Madrid reclaim possession and they're back on the offensive.
Phew, this is end-to-end stuff at the Bernabeu...
More good work from Rodrygo. He twists and turns in the box and makes space for a shot, forcing some last-gasp defending from Stuttgart.
Rodrygo swings in the resultant corner kick and Tchouameni's towering header is saved by Nubel.
Mittelstandt
The Stuttgart full-back is booked for pulling back Rodrygo on the right.
Stuttgart hit the crossbar!
Lightening-quick break from the visitors. It's three-on-three as the approach the Real Madrid backline and Deniz Undav takes the shot. His effort is deflected and clips the crossbar.
So close to a well-deserved opener for Stutgart"
Brilliant turn from Rodrygo on the halfway line, playing Valverde in on the right flank He tries to find Mbappe lurking in the middle of the box but his attempted cross is cut out.
It's Rodrygo's turn now, making good progress down the right and curling in a teasing cross. Nubel comes out well to claim the ball.
Nearly a brilliant opener from Mbappe!
Dani Carvajal fires a cross-field pass out to Vinicius, who slides the ball on to Mbappe.
The Frenchman squares up two Stuttgart defender, breezes past them and fires a right-footed effort on goal. Nubel is equal to the shot and pushes it wide, but that's a signal of intent from the hosts.
Lucas Vasquez
First booking of the game goes to the Real Madrid utility man for hauling down Mittelstadt on the halfway line.
Better from Real Madrid as they enjoy a spell of possession inside the Stuttgart half. Vinicius blows past Vagnoman on the left and whips in a cross but Mbappe's flick is well off-target.
Nearly another chance for Stuttgart as a ball bounces to Deniz Undav in the Madrid box. Carvajal manages to get a toe on the ball first and wins a free kick for his team.
All the noise inside the Bernabeu is coming from the travelling fans at the moment, enthused by their team's dominant showing in the opening stages. Real Madrid are really struggling to get to grips with the speed of their passing in the midfield.
Stuttgart push for an opener.
Sensational interplay from Stuttgart on the edge of the box and they're in on goal again! Courtois palms the shot from Leweling just wide of the post, but Real Madrid are struggling here.
Stuttgart should be ahead!
Enzo Millot tries his luck from the edge of the box, forcing another save from Courtois.
Another corner kick for Stuttgart. A free kick is subsequently called for a foul in the middle.
First chance for Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman isolates Anthony Rouault on the left and drifts inside, firing a low shot on target. Nubel gets down to save comfortably.
Thibault Courtois is forced into another save, palming a long-range shot out for a corner kick.
Fuhrich goes across to take the set piece but gets it all wrong. Madrid win the goal kick.
First spell of possession for Madrid now, playing the ball around at the back.
Vinicius tries to clip a ball over the top to Valverde, running in on goal, but the pass is overhit.
Real Madrid look a bit passive in the opening stages, unable to get close to Stuttgart in midfield.
Huge chance falls to Millot!
He had to score! Dani Carvajal gets caught on the ball at the back and the loose ball falls to Enzo Millot, closing in on goal. He tries to place the ball to the side of Courtois but gets it all wrong, dragging his effort wide.
Major let-off for Madrid!
Tchouameni fires over.
The corner kick is worked to Tchouameni on the edge of the box but the Frenchman sidefoots his effort just over the crossbar.
That was a good chance for the hosts.
Good running from Vinicius Jr on the left flank, giving the visitors something to think about.
The Brazilian wins a corner kick, which Madrid take short...
Jude Bellingham harries in the midfield and chases the ball all the way back to Nubel in goal but gets the ball played around him.
Madrid can't get a hold on the ball in the opening stages.
Angelo Stiller tries his luck for Stuttgart from 30 yards out but drags his effort wide.
The visitors have been on top so far!
First opening goes to the visitors. Chris Fuhrich does well down the left and whips the ball across the face of goal, forcing a sharp stop from Courtois.
In the opening stages it looks like Rodrygo, Vinicius, Bellingham and Valverde are operating as a four behind Mbappe. An attacking line-up from Ancelotti.
Confident start from the visitors, knocking the ball around coolly at the back. The Bernabeu is a real cauldron tonight!
Away we go!
Stuttgart get things underway at the Bernabeu.
We're nearly ready for the off!
The teams are out. The stands are packed.
The anticipation could scarcely be higher as Real Madrid prepare to kick-start their Champions League journey.
Stuttgart name full-strength XI at the Bernabeu.
And here's how the German side starts in their first UCL game in more than a decade...
Real Madrid team to face Stuttgart.
Kick-off is just minutes away now. Just about time for another look at the two line-ups for this UCL opener.
First up, the hosts...
The teams take to the field at Santiago Bernabeu!
We're almost ready! The (recently-updated) Champions League anthem rings around the Bernabeu for the first time this year.
It's Real Madrid - Stuttgart in the Champions League, and we're nearly ready to go.
Real Madrid out for Champions League opener!
Here's the moment that the reigning Kings of Europe took to the field to begin their 2024/25 campaign. Will it be a historic 16th European title for Los Blancos?
That journey begins tonight...
How many Champions League goals has Kylian Mbappe scored?
When it comes to Champions League records, few can match that of Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman never won the trophy during his time in France but he boasts an incredible scoring rate in Europe's elite club competition.
There's no place for Endrick in the Real Madrid starting XI this evening but don't be surprised if the 18-year-old makes an appearance off the bench. It's been quite the week for the young Brazilian, having recently got married.
Juventus start Champions League with a win.
Kick-off from the Santiago Bernabeu is now just 20 minutes away and we've just seen the full time whistle blown in the early games. Juventus marked their return to the Champions League with a 3-1 home win over PSV Eindhoven.
USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie was on the scoresheet for Juve in the UCL opener.
The Real Madrid defender made his debut for Stuttgart in 2012. / Thomas Niedermueller / Bongarts/Getty Images
Antonio Rudiger takes on former club.
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger spent time with Roma and Chelsea before joining Los Blancos, but few know where he started his illustrious career. The German stopper began at Stuttgart, playing 80 games as a youngster before being snapped up by Roma.
Thibaut Courtois makes 49th UCL appearance for Real Madrid.
And it won't be his last! The Belgian stopper has made a real claim to be the world top goalkeeper during his time in Madrid, lifting the Champions League twice with Los Blancos.
Last year Courtois returned from a major ACL injury to start for Real Madrid in the final, which, of course, they won.
Real Madrid are out at the Santiago Bernabeu!
And now the hosts take to the field. Jude Bellingham jogs a swift lap of the pitch, taking in the applause from the Real Madrid supporters.
This is the first chance for Kylian Mbappe to sense the Champions League night atmosphere at the Bernabeu, as a home player.
Jude Bellingham returns to the Real Madrid team.
Injury has restricted him to just one substitute appearance in LaLiga so far this season, but Jude Bellingham is back in the Real Madrid starting XI for their Champions League opener. He lifted the UCL in his first season in the Spanish capital and will be targeting a second successive title this year.
Stuttgart are out for warm-ups!
The noise in the Santiago Bernabeu ratchets up a level as the travelling players trot out onto the field. There's an incredible noise from the away section as the Stuttgart team emerge.
Stuttgart support in great numbers in the Spanish capital.
It's been more than a decade since Stuttgart made it to the Champions League - a run stretching back to 2010 - and the travelling support are making themselves heard in Madrid. An incredible turnout from the Stuttgart fans ahead of kick-off at the Bernabeu.
Vinicius and Tchouameni in the zone.
Real Madrid's great strength is their big-game experience. Even their 'young' players are European champions and know exactly what is required to make it through in the Champions League.
Will that experience be crucial tonight against an exciting young Stuttgart side?
The Real Madrid boss is known for his cool, composed touchline manner but Ancelotti made his feeling known about the new Champions League format. Here's that the Italian had to say ahead of the UCL opener...
Chris Fuhrich returns to Stuttgart starting XI.
After being rested for the win over Monchengladbach, Chris Fuhrich returns to the Stuttgart team against Real Madrid. The 26-year-old forwards has developed into a real creative fulcrum in recent years, winning a call-up to Germany's senior squad for the European Championship earlier this year.
He's one that the Madrid backline needs to keep an eye on.
Stuttgart team news for Real Madrid clash.
Here's how the visitors line up at Santiago Bernabeu, with three changes from the team that beat Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 last weekend.
The new format of the Champions League will take some getting used to, with the traditional group stage replaced with an expanded 'league phase' from 2024/25 onwards.
Here's a closer look at what that means in the event of a tie...
Quick start to new Champions League format.
We're just over 45 minutes into the 2024/25 Champions League and we've already had goals aplenty. Juventus and Aston Villa both find themselves two goals to the good in their UCL openers.
Will Vinicius Junior be the match-winner again?
Jude Bellingham enjoyed a historic 2023/24 campaign. Kylian Mbappe is tipped to be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo. But, despite those illustrious recent additions, it is Vinicius Junior that Real Madrid so often turn to in key moments.
The Brazilian star has scored goals in two Champions League finals - both of which Real Madrid won - and he was on top form against Real Sociedad last weekend.
The man in the middle at the Santiago Bernabeu today will be Umut Meler, who has a lengthy history in top European competitions and has overseen Real Madrid matches in the past.
Here's everything you need to know...
Dynamic duo reunite for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid prepare for their Champions League opener and the big names are out tonight. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are joined by Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in a star-studded frontline.
Can Stuttgart live with Madrid's 'Fab Four'?
Carlo Ancelotti reflects on incredible Champions League history.
"It's the same as at the start because it's a very special competition for me, not just for the club. The day-to-day work, being here, getting ready for training, dealing with everyday issues."
"I consider myself very patient because every day there's a problem to solve, although sometimes it's nothing that we consider problems, just like in life".
Real Madrid locker room ready for action.
Here's an inside look at the Real Madrid locker room ahead of the Stuttgart clash, with the team's jerseys lined up in numeric order. They have Alaba, Camavinga and Diaz out due to injury tonight, but it's still an incredible squad for Los Blancos.
As expected, Kylian Mbappe makes his first Champions League appearance for Real Madrid today. After a slow start in LaLiga Mbappe has found form in recent weeks, even taking time to celebrate with a friend last weekend.
Jude Bellingham starts for Real Madrid!
Carlo Ancelotti has, as he tends to do, released his team for today's game ahead of schedule. Here's the starting XI for Real Madrid, with Jude Bellingham back from injury to start at the Bernabeu...
Real Madrid have one of the most enviable squads in world soccer but they are not without their issues ahead of tonight's game. David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga are among those absent for Madrid due to injury.
Stuttgart make themselves heard in Madrid
They may be away from home but the German travellers will not be cowed in the historic Santiago Bernabeu. Stuttgart are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2010 and they are going to make the most of this moment.
They may have done it all, won it all, but Real Madrid are entering unfamiliar territory in tonight's game against VfB Stuttgart.
Here's everything you need to know...
Champions League nights at the Santiago Bernabeu
Here's the sight ahead of kick-off in the Spanish capital. Will we see another memorable night of Champions League action from Real Madrid?
First things first, you may have heard that there are some changes to the Champions League format for 2024/25.
In short - there will be a single 36-team table for the duration of the first stage, before returning to a more familiar structure for the knockout rounds.
In long - here's the full explanation from Roddy Cons...
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we'll be bringing you full live coverage of Real Madrid - VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League.
This is the first iteration of the new-look UCL, with the group stage replaced by a 36-team 'league phase'.
I'm Will Gittins - soccer journalist - and I'll be bringing you all the latest news and updates from Madrid. Away we go...