Get Newsletter
Notification products, updates
×
×
Notification products, updates
September 17, 2024
Here’s our preview of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League showdown between Real Madrid and VfB Stuttgart, featuring our predicted lineups.
VfB Stuttgart makes their first Champions League appearance since 2010, visiting the Spanish capital to face the reigning champions, Real Madrid.
Champions League matches at home, Real Madrid will head into the match with confidence. Meanwhile, Stuttgart will be aiming to pull off an upset by playing boldly and leveraging their own strengths.
“We want to be brave and courageous and put in a good performance. That increases the chance of achieving a good result. We are playing with the necessary respect against an opponent with outstanding qualities. Real are Champions League winners,” said Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness at his pre-match press conference.
“We want to surprise and perform in the Champions League, playing how we play in the Bundesliga. We have to be wide awake and highly concentrated. It is also important that we bring our strengths on to the pitch. We also believe that we can annoy Real at times.”
Stuttgart has seen the departure of key players Waldemar Anton, Hiroki Ito, and Serhou Guirassy after their impressive second-place finish last season. As a result, they are adapting to a new reality and require time to find their footing.
Their Bundesliga campaign started with a disappointing 3-1 loss to Freiburg, followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw against Mainz. However, they bounced back with a solid 3-1 victory away at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where new signings Ermedin Demirovic and Fabian Rieder made significant contributions, scoring two goals and providing two assists, respectively.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid sits second in La Liga with 11 points after five matches, entering this game on the heels of consecutive 2-0 victories over Real Sociedad and Real Betis.
In terms of injuries, Real Madrid will be without David Alaba (knee), Eduardo Camavinga (knee), Dani Ceballos (ankle), and Brahim Díaz (adductor).
Stuttgart will miss Al-Dakhil (muscle injury) and Stergiou (back injury), while Felix Krätzig (calf) remains a doubt.
Anthony Rouault has recently returned from injury and came on as a substitute in the second half over the weekend. If fit, he may replace the inexperienced Anrie Chase in central defense.
Real Madrid has entered this Champions League campaign in exceptional form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions. Their latest performance featured a convincing 2-0 away victory against Real Sociedad, highlighting their ability to thrive in challenging environments. This win followed a series of strong displays, including a 2-0 triumph over Borussia Dortmund in their last Champions League match from the previous season.
Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, the team has showcased an impressive balance of attacking firepower and defensive stability, achieving three wins and two draws in their last five outings. Ancelotti’s extensive experience in European competitions is invaluable, and his skill in adjusting tactics to neutralize opponents while leveraging his team’s strengths will be vital for this matchup.
Real Madrid’s home record at the Santiago Bernabéu in European competitions is remarkable. The fervent crowd and the weight of tradition often prove overwhelming for visiting teams. With a roster packed with world-class talent, from rising star Jude Bellingham in midfield to new signing Kylian Mbappé leading the attack, Real Madrid has the capability to dominate any opponent on their best day.
VfB Stuttgart approaches this Champions League match as clear underdogs, but their recent performance indicates they should not be taken lightly. The German side has demonstrated impressive resilience and attacking strength in their domestic campaign, highlighted by a notable 3-1 away win against Borussia Mönchengladbach in their latest outing. This victory is part of a strong streak that includes three wins, one draw, and only one loss in their last five matches across all competitions.
Nonetheless, their last Champions League experience—a 4-0 defeat at Barcelona—serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face at this level. Despite this setback, manager Sebastian Hoeneß has fostered a fighting spirit and tactical adaptability in his squad, which could pose problems even for the most established European teams.
Known for his attacking philosophy and talent development, Hoeneß has Stuttgart playing an energetic, high-pressing style of football. While this approach has been successful in the Bundesliga, it will be tested against the seasoned Real Madrid. Stuttgart’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack, along with their threat from set-pieces, could be crucial in their strategy to disrupt the Spanish giants.
This Champions League matchup is the first-ever competitive clash between Real Madrid and VfB Stuttgart. The absence of historical head-to-head data introduces a layer of unpredictability to the game, as neither team has prior experience with the other’s tactical approach or playing style in a high-pressure setting.
Stand behind your favorite player! Explore our site to find ways you can show your support today.
Latest Football News | Bundesliga | Bundesliga News | English Premier League | French Ligue 1 | Italian Serie A | La Liga | La Liga News | Portuguese Primieira Liga
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
Stay Tuned With Updates