Get ready for a thrilling Champions League matchup as Real Madrid takes on Stuttgart on Tuesday night! The reigning champions are looking to kick off their campaign with a win, seeking their 16th title.
Real Madrid has an impressive track record against German teams, losing only one of their last 21 matches. They faced four German clubs on their path to victory last season, including Borussia Dortmund in the final.
The Spanish giants are coming off a strong 2-0 win against Real Sociedad over the weekend, extending their unbeaten streak to six games. Stuttgart, on the other hand, has a tough road ahead, facing Real Madrid, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atalanta in their first Champions League campaign in 15 years.
Stuttgart's coach, Sebastian Hoeness, will be looking to change his team's fortunes against Spanish opposition, having lost four of their six meetings. However, they're riding high after a 3-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Kylian Mbappe is finally set to make his Champions League debut for the team! With an impressive 48 goals in 73 appearances in the competition under his belt from his time at PSG and Monaco, expectations are sky-high.
However, Real Madrid's squad is looking a bit thin ahead of this clash. Injuries have taken a toll, leaving them struggling to fill their bench in recent weeks. The good news is that Jude Bellingham is back in training after a month-long absence, joined by Aurelien Tchouameni, who also missed the international break.
But there's still bad news on the injury front. Brahim Diaz will be sidelined for eight weeks with a muscle injury after being forced off early in the weekend's game. Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos are expected back by month's end.
Stuttgart has its own share of injuries. New signing Ameen Al Dakhil is still recovering from an injury sustained during his time at Burnley, while defender Leonidas Stergiou is closing in on a return from a back issue. Nikolas Nartey, Frans Kratzig, and youngster Justin Diehl are all out for the foreseeable future.
But Stuttgart's attack is looking fierce, led by Ermedin Demirovic, who's on absolute fire with five goals already this season. Deniz Undav also found the net at the weekend, scoring his first league goal of the campaign after impressing for Germany against Holland during the international break
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
Stuttgart possible starting lineup:
Nubel; Vagnoman, Chase, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Rieder; Demirovic, Undav
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Madrid 2-0 Stuggart
Real Madrid, the reigning champs, are the clear favorites going into this opener. They've had a solid start to the season, and despite some potential midfield absences, they should keep their unbeaten streak alive with a win.
Stuttgart faces an uphill battle, especially considering Real Madrid's incredible home record in the Champions League. It's been six long years since anyone (CSKA Moscow, to be exact) has managed to shut them out at the Santiago Bernabeu - 74 matches and counting!
For Stuttgart to have any hope, they'll need to bring their A-game on defense and find a way to contain Real's potent offense. But with the talent and depth that Real boasts, that's a tall order. It's looking like a tough night ahead for the German side.
