Despite a few shaky moments, Real Madrid earned the first victory of its European title defense over the Bundesliga runner-up.
Real Madrid began its 2024–25 Champions League campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu against Stuttgart. Carlo Ancelotti's side received a huge boost with the return of Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni from injury, but Éder Militão was rested, leaving Dani Carvajal to start at center-back.
As soon as the match began, the hosts were firmly on the backfoot. Thibaut Courtois made four critical saves in the opening 30 minutes to keep Real Madrid in the game and the score level at 0–0. Carlo Ancelotti's makeshift backline looked extremely vulnerable against Deniz Undav and Enzo Millot, but neither Stuttgart player could find the back of the net.
Los Blancos grew into the game, though, and quickly turned the contest into an end-to-end affair. Real Madrid looked like it might get on the scoresheet from the spot after Maximilian Mittelstädt was whistled for a penalty, but a VAR review showed the contact to Antonio Rüdiger was minimal at best.
Just 30 seconds inside the second half, Kylian Mbappé gave his side the 1–0 lead. Rodrygo got in behind the defense on the right-wing and squared a pinpoint pass to his new teammate. Real Madrid looked well in control of the match until Undav headed the equalizer past Courtois into the top corner.
Real Madrid responded in the 83rd minute. Luka Modrić's delivery from the corner flag found Antonio Rüdiger, who headed the winning goal home. Endrick would go on to seal the game for Los Blancos in the 95th minute with a brilliant individual effort from 25 yards out, giving Real Madrid the 3–1 victory.
