Real Madrid kicked off their Champions League defense in a newly formatted League phase against Stuttgart on Tuesday 17th September, 2024. The highly anticipated match ended with a 3-1 victory for the Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish giant failed to score in the first half of the game against the German team but made a remarkable impression in the second half. Sebastian Hoeness’s men seemed to have reclaimed momentum after Deniz Undav’s 68th-minute equalizer, but the defending champions had the last laugh, thanks to goals from summer signings Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, and Antonio Rudiger’s clinical header against his former side. Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni were back to the starting line-up after missing several games for club and country due to fitness issues.
Throughout the game, the squad showed individual performances that were decisive to the game result and their growth under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Each player, many of whom joined the club over the years from across Europe and South America, played a key role in their respective positions, displaying how they have evolved since their arrival. Here is a breakdown and rating of the individual performances displayed by the Real Madrid players in their UCL victory against Stuttgart.
Thibaut Courtois (GK): Since the Belgian arrived from Chelsea in 2018, Madrid’s goal-post has never missed the Legend – Iker Casillas. Courtois has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in football today. Against Stuggart, he was Madrid’s superman, making several saves to keep his side in the game and frustrating the German side. Under Ancelotti, Courtois’ confidence has grown immensely. He was missed last season with a persisting injury that kept him sidelined but is now fully back as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Los Blancos. Courtois has the highest rating (a solid 9) against Stuttgart in the encounter.
Lucas Vázquez (RWB): The Spaniard struggled to find his foot in the game against Stuttgart on Tuesday night. The German club’s attack exploited his defensive weakness in the first half to press Madrid to the edge. The long-term Real Madrid academy star had spells with Espanyol and remained a winger throughout his journey. Under Ancelotti however, the Spaniard has flourished at right-back. His struggles to keep up with the fast-paced German side were evident, and he got substituted at halftime for Eder Militao. Vázquez will look to regain form and consistency ahead of Saturday’s game with Espanyol. He has the lowest Rating in the Real Madrid team for the game – 3.
Dani Carvajal (RCB): Carvajal captained Los Blancos in the game and has been a consistent starter since rejoining Bayer Leverkusen in 2013. Even before the arrival of Zidane and Ancelotti, he was one of the best right-backs in Europe. Against Stuttgart on Tuesday, he started the game as a full-back but returned to his natural position at right-back after the break, bringing a more improved experience against the German side’s attackers. He has a rating of 5.5 in the game.
Antonio Rüdiger (CB): Since joining Madrid from Chelsea in 2022, Rüdiger has become a key figure in Real Madrid’s defense. His towering presence in set-pieces was once again seen against his former side – Stuttgart, as he scored the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute with a powerful header from Luka Modric’s corner. He remained a tough opponent at the backline, making important duels and breaking the opponent’s plays. He was rated 8 for his performances throughout the game.
Ferland Mendy (LWB): Mendy was a sound back at the Left-wing defense for Real Madrid. There were no terminal mistakes from the Frenchmen. He remains an integral part of the Real Madrid team since his arrival from Lyon in 2019. His offensive contribution in the game left much to be desired and Ancelotti would work on improving his attacking play. He left the game in the 75th minute for Fran Garcia and has a rating of 6.
Aurélien Tchouaméni (CMF): Tchouaméni returned to the starting line-up against Stuttgart and wasn’t too solid for Madrid in the first half. He made good improvements with his decision-making early in the second 45 and with a brilliant through ball, set up Rodrygo’s assist for the opening goal. He was substituted for Luka Modric after Stuttgart’s equalizer with a rating of 7.
Fede Valverde (RMF): The Uruguayan midfielder, who joined Madrid’s youth academy in 2016 has become one of the most versatile players in the squad under Ancelotti. Against Stuttgart, Valverde shifted from an advanced attacking midfielder to a defensive midfielder. His best moments came in the deeper role, where his energy and ball recovery earned him a rating of 6.5.
Jude Bellingham (AMF): Returning to the starting line-up from injury, the young Englishman AND ex-Borussia Dortmund star made his mark in the game as one of the standout performers against Stuttgart. His creativity and drive in the attack kept the German club’s defense busy and clear from other threats. He could have used more defensive support from his teammates at the left midfield. His performances earned him a rating of 8 in the game.
Rodrygo (RWF): Rodrygo has steadily evolved into a key offensive player for Los Blancos. He made the assist for Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal in the 46th minute and left a brilliant impression with his creativity. Throughout the game, the Brazilian was slick on the ball, dazzling defenders with his dribbling skills. He was substituted for Arda Güler with a rating of 7.
Vinícius Júnior (LWF): Real Madrid’s most impressive player at the UCL last season has picked off where he left off against Stuttgart. While this wasn’t his best game, he still managed to create 3 key passes for the men in White. Even on his off days, he remained a constant threat to the opponent’s defense with his impressive ball control. He was rated 6 in the game.
Kylian Mbappé (CF): The French superstar keeps showing his class in the Champions League and scored the opener for his first UCL goal for Real Madrid. Although not featuring in his preferred position, his integration into Ancelotti’s style of play has been smooth, and his ability to finish under pressure was on full display against Stuttgart. His fifth goal in just seven matches for the club won him a rating of 7 in the game.
Substitutions:
Luka Modric (CMF): The impact Modric brings to the Madrid team can not be understated, even in his twilight years, the Croatian captain has been instrumental for the team whenever he is called upon. He delivered an inch-perfect corner for Rüdiger’s goal. He won the game with a rating of 7.
Arda Güler (AMF): The young Turkish talent showed glimpses of his talent while on the ball but was unfortunate not to receive the ball in promising positions. Güler’s time will come, and Ancelotti’s management will ensure his steady development. He was rated 6 for his performance in the game.
Fran García (LWB): He made a huge impression in keeping the backline strong upon his introduction to the game. Unlike Mendy, his energy gave Stuttgart’s defense something to worry about in the final 15 minutes of the game. His work rate gave him a solid 6 in the game.
Endrick (SS): Endrick was introduced in the 80th minute for Jude Bellingham. The young talented teenager who joined from Palmeiras stole the show with a stunning goal from 25 yards in stoppage time, earning him a joint-second-highest rating of 8 on the night.
Ancelotti praised Endrick’s boldness after the game, emphasizing his bravery as a young player and in such a high-pressure moment; “He has balls because it was a counterattack and he dared to shoot.”
Reflecting on the overall performance at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti acknowledged the challenges his team faced throughout the match.
“It was good. We’ve had difficult moments, but it’s normal. I don’t remember an easy match. You always have to suffer, especially at the beginning, when you don’t have your best version and things cost a little more. The game could have been over after the equalizer, but we had the strength to score again.”
He admitted that the game was tougher than expected and that his team would look forward to tougher opponents in the future.
GET FAST-SELLING REAL MADRID TICKETS!
Los Blancos had a perfect start to the 2023/24 Champions League. Fans and well-wishers would hope the Spanish giants keep this momentum on their road to clinching the first Champions League trophy in the newly formatted system.
Mark your calendar for the upcoming games. Get available Real Madrid Tickets which are currently in high demand and secure the best seats and views in the stadiums for an unforgettable experience. Secondary marketplaces remain your best spot to get these tickets to games with a hassle-free experience.
OTS News on Social Media