Watch the match between Real Madrid and Stuttgart in the Champions League

Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, begins their 2024-2025 campaign today against German side Stuttgart at the "Santiago Bernabéu" Stadium. This match marks the start of the group stage of the tournament, where Madrid aims to defend the title they secured last season.

The New Champions League Format

The current edition of the UEFA Champions League has introduced changes to its format. A total of 36 teams have been divided into four pots. Each team will play the others in its group on a home-and-away basis. The top eight teams will qualify directly for the second round, while teams ranked 9th to 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff to determine the additional eight teams advancing to the knockout stage.

Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart

Real Madrid, boasting 15 Champions League titles, is eager to start their title defense campaign with strength. The Royal Club bolstered their squad during the summer by signing French star Kylian Mbappe, who has been gradually adapting to the team, scoring three goals in his last two La Liga matches. However, Real Madrid is facing several injuries, including Moroccan star Brahim Diaz.

Despite these absences, coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed the readiness of key players like Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eder Militao for the match. In a press conference, Ancelotti said, "The passion drives us in this competition. The Champions League is special for Real Madrid, and we will try to compete until the end."

Mbappe's Remarks and Aspirations

Kylian Mbappe, 25, expressed his excitement about beginning his European journey with Real Madrid. He stated, "It will be very important for me. I came to Madrid to experience this kind of challenge." The French star added, "I am very focused on what needs to be done. The Champions League has changed a lot; it's a new competition, and we must win to start well."

Real Madrid's Champions League Legacy

Real Madrid is the most successful club in Champions League history, with 15 titles, far ahead of their closest rival, AC Milan, who have 7 titles. Liverpool and Bayern Munich follow with 6 titles each, while Barcelona sits fourth with 5 titles. Madrid's most recent Champions League victory came after defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium in London.

Stuttgart's Challenge

Stuttgart enters this match aware of the daunting task of facing the most decorated team in the competition. Nevertheless, Stuttgart aims to deliver a strong performance in this year's Champions League, especially after a remarkable season in the Bundesliga that earned them qualification for the tournament.

Stuttgart's last European participation was in the 2013-2014 season when they were eliminated in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds by Croatian side Rijeka. Facing Real Madrid will be a significant challenge for the German team, but it also presents an opportunity to prove their mettle on the European stage.

Today's Match

Real Madrid approaches this match with high ambitions, aiming not only to start their European campaign on the right foot but also to send a strong message to the other participating teams. Ancelotti is expected to field his best lineup, relying on key players in both attack and defense.

On the other hand, Stuttgart aspires to put up a solid performance and attempt to achieve a positive result, despite the difficulty of playing at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match promises excitement and challenge between a team aiming to retain its European crown and another seeking to establish itself among Europe's elite.

Real Madrid's Expected Lineup

With the absences affecting Real Madrid, Ancelotti is expected to rely on a lineup capable of facing Stuttgart and securing the win. The expected lineup is as follows:

- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

- Defense: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy

- Midfield: Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Toni Kroos

- Attack Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior

Importance of the Match for Both Teams

For Real Madrid, a win in this match would help boost confidence and maintain the momentum they have built at the start of the season. For Stuttgart, the match represents a significant challenge and an opportunity to prove their ability to compete in one of Europe's top competitions. Securing a positive result against the titleholder on their home turf would be a tremendous boost for the German team in their campaign.

Real Madrid faces Stuttgart in a highly anticipated and thrilling match. The reigning champions seek a strong start to their European journey, while Stuttgart enters the encounter with the ambition of delivering an impressive performance against one of the world's biggest clubs. This game is more than just a match between two teams; it is a test of their aspirations in the new season of the UEFA Champions League.