Kylian Mbappe Scores on Champions League Debut for Madrid as Rudiger and Endrick Seal Win
Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory against Stuttgart in their UEFA Champions League opener, with late goals from Antonio Rudiger and substitute Endrick breaking the deadlock at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night. Kylian Mbappe made a dream start to his Champions League journey with Los Blancos, scoring early in the second half, but it was the late heroics that ultimately sealed the win.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 46th minute, slotting home a Rodrygo cross to give Real Madrid the lead. However, Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav equalized in the 68th minute with a powerful header, seemingly putting the Germans on course to leave Madrid with a well-earned point.
But Real Madrid struck back late. Antonio Rudiger rose highest to head in Luka Modric’s corner in the 83rd minute, delivering a crucial blow to his former club. Endrick then came off the bench to add a third goal deep into stoppage time, his long-range effort squeezing past Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nubel.
While Carlo Ancelotti’s defending champions appeared disjointed at times, particularly as their attack works to gel with Mbappe at the forefront, the result will be a relief for the home fans. Thibaut Courtois was instrumental in keeping Madrid in the game, making several key saves as Stuttgart threatened throughout the match.
Stuttgart had their chances to stun the Spanish giants early on, with Jamie Leweling and Enzo Millot both testing Courtois. Despite a disallowed penalty for Real Madrid after a VAR review, the visitors continued to push for a breakthrough, only for Rudiger’s late header to dash their hopes.
Madrid’s attacking trio of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo showed glimpses of promise but will need time to fully integrate with the French striker leading the line. Jude Bellingham, making his return to the starting lineup, also looked off the pace as he adapts to playing with Madrid’s new dynamic.
Despite their struggles, the result keeps Real Madrid on course in their pursuit of another Champions League crown, with plenty of room for improvement as the season progresses.
Player Ratings:
- Real Madrid: Courtois 8, Vazquez 5, Carvajal 5, Rudiger 7, Mendy 5, Tchouameni 6, Valverde 6, Bellingham 6, Vinicius 6, Mbappe 6, Rodrygo 7. Subs: Modric 6, Militao 7, Guler 6, Garcia 6, Endrick 7.
- Stuttgart: Nubel 7, Vagnoman 7, Rouault 7, Chabot 7, Mittelstadt 7, Stiller 6, Karazor 7, Millot 7, Leweling 7, Fuhrich 7, Undav 7. Subs: Rieder 6, Chase 6, Toure 6, Demirovic 6, Zagadou 6.
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