Yahoo Sports Real Madrid vs Stuttgart: Preview, predictions and lineups
Real Madrid face VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday evening as they begin the defence of their Champions League crown.
The Spanish giants won the competition for a 15th time last term, extending their record after a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the final in June. Having now added world-beater Kylian Mbappe to their ranks, Madrid will be confident of securing a 16th title come the end of the season.
Having already won the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta at the start of 2024/25, Carlo Ancelotti's men have proven a little vulnerable in their defence of La Liga. Two draws on the road mean they already find themselves behind Barcelona in the table, although they secured a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Stuttgart enjoyed a wonderful 2023/24 campaign, finishing runners-up to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Sebastian Hoeness has overseen a rapid transformation at MHPArena but has been offered the toughest start possible in the Champions League for Stuttgart's first dalliance with the competition since 2009/10.
Here is 90min's guide to Real Madrid vs Stuttgart this Tuesday.
What time does Real Madrid vs Stuttgart kick-off?
Location: Madrid, Spain
Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Date: Tuesday 17 September
Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Referee: Halil Umut Meler (TUR)
VAR: Rob Dieperink (NET)
This is the first competitive fixture between Real Madrid and Stuttgart.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Stuttgart on TV and live stream
Real Madrid team news
Brahim Diaz is the latest entrant in the treatment room, suffering a thigh injury that's likely to keep him out for a few months. Dani Ceballos, David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga are the others guaranteed to miss out this midweek.
Jude Bellingham is closing in on a return but didn't feature at the weekend. He could make his comeback against Stuttgart, as could Aurelien Tchouameni after he withdrew from the France squad over the international break.
Whether Bellingham and Tchouameni would return to the starting lineup remains to be seen but Rodrygo will be restored at right wing. Arda Guler will retain his starting spot if Bellingham misses out and Luka Modric would likely keep his place in the lineup if Tchouameni is absent.
Eder Militao did not train in the build-up to the game but Ancelotti has already confirmed the centre-back is "100% ready" to feature here.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Stuttgart
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Stuttgart (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Guler, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.
Stuttgart team news
Stuttgart have their own injury problems nagging away at them ahead of a first trip to the Bernabeu. Frans Kratzig, Justin Diehl, Ameen Al Dakhil and Nikolas Nartey are all sidelined for Tuesday's clash in the Spanish capital.
Summer signing Ermedin Demirovic has made a bright start to life under Hoeness, scoring three times for Stuttgart since his move from Augsburg. Loanee Fabian Rieder has also impressed with a goal and two assists, while former Brighton & Hove Albion forward Deniz Undav is certain to be a threat as well.
Stuttgart predicted lineup vs Real Madrid
Stuttgart predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-4-2): Nubel; Vagnoman, Chase, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Rieder; Demirovic, Undav.
Real Madrid vs Stuttgart score prediction
Stuttgart have shown their ability to compete with Germany's top dogs, beating Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund last season. However, they have never faced a test quite as menacing as the one presented to them this weekend, with Madrid a different animal in their favourite competition.
Madrid have won their last two matches 2-0 and have kept two home clean sheets this season, with Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in fine form. With Jude Bellingham potentially returning on Tuesday, a spirited Stuttgart side will have their work cut out to compete with Los Blancos.
