Defending champions Real Madrid will begin their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign with a home fixture against German side VfB Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After clinching a record 15th Champions League title last season by overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the final, Real Madrid is set to embark on their new campaign with high hopes. The revamped format, which sees each team facing eight different opponents in the league phase and being ranked together, presents a fresh challenge. Los Blancos are determined to secure their 16th title by the end of the season.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart: Preview & Prediction
Despite an unbeaten start to the season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side has experienced a slow start, with two dropped points already. To avoid complications and secure a top spot in their group, they must deliver strong performances in their Champions League matches.
VfB Stuttgart, having started their season with a defeat, has since recovered with a draw and a win. However, they face a tough challenge against the European giants, who boast an exceptional record in the Champions League.
The Hard Tackle will provide an in-depth analysis of both teams and explore the potential tactics they might employ for this highly anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid will be missing several key first-team players for their clash with VfB Stuttgart. Brahim Díaz, who sustained an injury in their last match, joins David Alaba, Dani Ceballos, and Eduardo Camavinga on the sidelines.
Though Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni have returned to training, they may not start the game but are likely to play a role.
Ancelotti is expected to use his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Thibaut Courtois in goal. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy will play as full-backs, while Eder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger will anchor the defense.
The back line will aim for a clean sheet as they begin their Champions League campaign, supported by Federico Valverde and Luka Modrić in the central midfield roles.
Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior will be on the wings, with Arda Güler continuing as the number 10, despite Ancelotti considering Bellingham for the role. Kylian Mbappé will spearhead the attack for Real Madrid against Stuttgart.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe
VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart will face Real Madrid with several key players unavailable. Nikolas Nartey, Frans Kratzig, Justin Diehl, and Ameen Al-Dakhil are all out, while Leonidas Stergiou is close to returning but won’t be fit for this match.
Stuttgart is set to use a 4-4-2 formation, with Alexander Nübel in goal. The full-backs will be Josha Vagnoman and Maximilian Mittelstadt, while Anrie Chase and Julian Chabot will form the central defensive pairing.
In midfield, Jamie Leweling and Fabian Rieder will help defend against Real Madrid’s attacking wide players. With the home team expected to dominate possession, Atakan Karazor and Angelo Stiller will have significant defensive responsibilities.
Up front, Ermedin Demirović and Deniz Undav will lead the attack. Both strikers have been in strong form this season and will aim to pose a threat to Real Madrid’s defense.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Nubel; Vagnoman, Chase, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Rieder; Demirovic, Undav
Key Stats
- First Encounter: Real Madrid and VfB Stuttgart are set to face off for the first time in UEFA Champions League history.
- German Challenge: VfB Stuttgart have yet to secure a win in their six previous Champions League matches against Spanish teams.
- Record Holders: Real Madrid claimed their record 15th Champions League title last season and are now targeting their 16th trophy.
- Recent Dominance: Over the past decade, the Spanish giants have captured six Champions League titles.
- Long-Awaited Return: VfB Stuttgart are preparing for their first Champions League campaign in 15 years.
Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappé is poised to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League for Real Madrid, his dream club. The French star, who has long aspired to win the prestigious trophy with the Spanish giants, is expected to make a significant impact in their opening match against Stuttgart. At just 25 years old, Mbappé will aim to continue his impressive form from the 2024/25 season, where he has already netted four goals.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Prediction
Real Madrid 4-0 VfB Stuttgart
Although Los Blancos have shown some inconsistency in the new season and are missing several key players, they tend to elevate their game in the UEFA Champions League. VfB Stuttgart could face a tough challenge as they visit the European giants on the opening matchday. Playing at home, They are expected to be strong, and The Hard Tackle predicts a commanding 4-0 victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
How to Watch Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV.
