Spirited Stuttgart feel the sting as Madrid spoil efforts with late strikes

VfB Stuttgart returned to European football’s premier competition tonight for an opening meeting with Real Madrid. Sebastian Hoeneß gallant outfit fell victim to two late goals from Rüdiger and Endrick as the Galacticos ran out 3-1 winners.

In a tense and bubbling Bernabeu roared on by thousands of travelling Swabians, Stuttgart made a bright start with early chances afforded to Millot and Leweling who forced saves from Courtois. The onslaught continued from Hoeneß’ team but Real’s Belgian shot-stopper remained impenetrable. A fine one-on-one save denied Angelo Stiller, although Undav was likely offside in the build-up.

The Galacticos sparked into life in the 25th-minute as Mbappé cut inside Karazor and Vagnoman. Alexander Nübel stuck out a firm left paw to divert the rasping strike. The subsequent counterattack brought Stuttgart even closer – Deniz Undav watched his effort ricochet off Carvajal’s leg and dip onto the wrong side of the crossbar. There was a minor penalty claim from ex-Stuttgart player Antonio Rüdiger, but a VAR review exposed the German’s theatrics. A remarkably lively half that somehow went goalless.

Under such pressure, Ancelotti tinkered as Militão replaced Vázquez who endured a difficult night. It took 20 second-half seconds before Rodrygo squared for Mbappé to tap in and momentum favoured the Galacticos. Approaching the hour and the aluminium came to Stuttgart’s aid. Vinicius Junior gave a wry smirk as his effort cannoned into the terrace. Leweling kept Courtois honest at the other end but again the Belgian stood firm.

Stuttgart were finally rewarded for their gallant efforts in the 68th-minute – a corner fell to Leweling who hooked it back into the box. Rising highest came Deniz Undav to cushion the ball back against the grain into the top left corner. Just as it looked like a memorable result in the making, Real do what 15-times champions do best. Luka Modrić’s corner barrelled home by Stuttgart’s man from bygone days in Rüdiger. The wonder kid of Madrid Endrick made it 3-1 on the break with a fizzing strike late on.