Real Madrid landed in the new Champions League with suffering and agony, as if the future format were no different from the previous one. That's how they won before, that's how they win now. They defeated a resilient Stuttgart after a goal by Rüdiger in the 83rd minute, amidst tremors and doubts. Endrick sealed the victory, with Mbappé and Undav having previously scored. The team from Chamartín now has three points (3-1) and can breathe easier.
The current European and League champions have transformed in recent months. The team has gone from being a solid powerhouse with star performers to being nothing more than the sum of its individualities. It's not the same team. At least not for now. Emotionally, it can be understood due to the limited time to disconnect, but it has been a month since the official debut and Ancelotti is yet to find that Madrid that reflects his vision. Kroos left, Mbappé arrived, and that squad that used to function like a Swiss watch is now struggling to find its identity.
There is no replacement for Kroos because something like that is impossible, but the alternative has not emerged. Against Stuttgart, in their continental debut in this eternal and new Champions League, Real Madrid once again appeared predictable and erratic in ball distribution and slow and disconnected in defensive transitions. The former can be logical due to the absence of Kroos, what used to flow smoothly now stumbles, but the latter was a trademark of Ancelotti's teams. Courtois once again became the hero.
The Belgian made four crucial saves in a frenetic first half, where Stuttgart could have scored several goals but were thwarted by the goalkeeper and the crossbar. Leweling, Millot, and Stiller came close to scoring in the first 15 minutes, with Real Madrid struggling in midfield, weak in the first line of pressure, and sluggish in tracking back. Carvajal playing as a center-back, instead of an injured Militao, did not help the solidity of a disjointed defense.
In attack, Real Madrid relied on the runs of Rodrygo, the standout player, but they were not clinical against Nubel, especially Mbappé, who missed some one-on-one opportunities. On the left flank, Vinicius once again fell short of his best form and lost possession in dangerous areas, like the chance that ended with Undav hitting the post in the 27th minute after a counterattack that left Ancelotti frustrated.
Towards the end of the first half, the home team improved, more due to determination than quality football. Bellingham took charge in midfield, receiving the ball with his back to goal and turning to break lines, and Real Madrid pushed closer to the opponent's goal.
In the 32nd minute, referee Meler initially awarded a penalty for a foul by Mittelstadt on Rüdiger, but the VAR intervened, prompting him to review the decision on the screen and ultimately overturning it. Fatigue seemed to weigh on the Germans, and Real Madrid grew into the game, but failed to capitalize on their momentum.
After halftime, Ancelotti substituted Lucas, brought on Militao, moved Carvajal back to right-back, and the team's setup made more sense. Shortly after, fate gifted them the opening goal. Tchouaméni played a through ball to Rodrygo, Mittelstadt failed to intercept, allowing the Brazilian to advance into the box and set up Mbappé for his first Champions League goal.
The goal stunned Stuttgart, and Real Madrid had chances to extend their lead but lacked precision. Mbappé, from outside the box, and Rodrygo, who hesitated in front of goal, missed opportunities to make it 2-0, and the team paid the price. The German side woke up, and Courtois had to make several crucial saves.
Vinicius hit the crossbar, but Stuttgart kept testing the heroic Courtois until the Belgian could do no more. In a corner kick, Undav beat the goalkeeper, who was stranded in a defense that was leaking goals.
Amid tremors and doubts, Rüdiger rose in a corner kick delivered by Modric and scored the second goal, saving a challenging night. Another night in a competition that Real Madrid, currently lackluster, only seems to understand through suffering and agony. Endrick, with a missile of a shot, sealed the victory in the end. Three points secured, but work lies ahead.