Three takeaways from Real Madrid 3-1 VfB Stuttgart | OneFootball

Real Madrid got their UEFA Champions League campaign off to a perfect start on Tuesday night, securing a hard-fought 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart.

The game was anything but easy for the hosts as they were made to work hard for the opener, which came through Kylian Mbappe and were even pegged back with a Stuttgart equaliser not long after.

An 83rd-minute header by Antonio Rudiger, however, gave the team the lead, helping them pull apart at a critical moment.

Young Endrick sealed the game in stoppage time with a wonder strike from distance, once again helping the team gain a result that does not accurately represent the actual game that unfolded on the field.

Madrid Universal brings you three takeaways from Real Madrid 3-1 Stuttgart.

No Vinicius, no problem

As has been the norm this season, Real Madrid’s performance against Stuttgart was not one to boast a whole lot about. The men in white were under pressure for long periods in the game and unlucky to not go behind.

Yet, one cannot deny that the team’s attack appeared more potent than it has in recent games with several players stepping up.

While there were a few glimpses of his quality, Vinicius Jr. continued his dodgy form on the night as he looked isolated at times, was off his dribbling game and was often second-best in duels. He missed one big chance and even hit the woodwork once.

Mbappe scored his first UCL goal for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo, however, delivered what the team needed in some style and compensated for their teammate’s relatively off day.

The Frenchman recorded four shots on target, had a successful dribble and even forced two blocked shots. His big moment of the game, however, was his calm finish in front of goal to give his side the lead.

No surprises, the player who assisted Mbappe’s opener was Rodrygo and the Brazilian was equally, if not more impressive. Starting on the right flank, he clocked three key passes, completed all five dribbles attempted and created one big chance.

As the icing on the cake, young Endrick came on and scored an absolute golazo to set the result in stone, once again leaving a good impression on the forward department.

Thibaut Courtois comes up clutch

If the forwards stepped up their game in the final third, the defence was equally crucial in helping Los Blancos to a first UCL win of the season.

Thibaut Courtois, in particular, merits serious praise for his efforts in keeping Real Madrid in the game through Stuttgart’s pressure.

The Belgian shot-stopper made a staggering six saves for Real Madrid across the ninety minutes including three from inside the box. He saved an xG of 0.9 and ensured that the Germans did not have much to show for their three big chances.

Clutch. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Courtois, over the years, has always been a reliable asset for Real Madrid, especially in Europe. Last night’s game, by far, was his most important showing of the season and it is no surprise that he came up clutch in the UCL once more.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti fielded a makeshift defence in Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal, both of whom clocked solid performances and struck up good chemistry in defence.

Injury returnees prove their worth

Real Madrid still have a long way to go if they are to return to the dominant version of themselves that was on display last season.

The win over Stuttgart, however, provides hope that they can get there as the team showed considerable improvement from the game against Real Sociedad.

Los Blancos still indeed required some deal of luck to get the three points but they appeared more stable on the field, especially in the middle of the park. The two players who returned from injury played a big part in the same.

Both Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham started for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, the former taking the place in defensive midfield and the latter sitting pretty as the attacking midfielder.

Tchouameni slotted back into the team like he never faced a stint on the sidelines, completing six defensive actions and even pushing forward with three shots. His presence gave the team stability in defending against counters and an orchestrator of the play.

Bellingham, meanwhile, picked up where he left off with 93% pass accuracy, two key passes and 100% dribble completion. He may not have got on the scoresheet but was vital in the team’s buildup time and time again.