Champions League quality, Deniz Undav, and more: three things we learned from Real Madrid’s victory over Stuttgart
Real Madrid overcame VfB Stuttgart 3-1 on matchday one of the Champions League to spoil the visitors’ first appearance back in the competition for over a decade.
In what was a dream return to European football’s most prestigious tournament, Die Roten could have been forgiven for letting the occasion get to them in a packed-out Santiago Bernabéu.
However, in the first half, Sebastian Hoeneß’s side stunned Los Blancos by dominating proceedings; with 54% possession, Stuttgart were able to create two big chances in a half they should have taken advantage of, with Enzo Millot dragging a gilt-edged chance wide.
After the interval, the pattern of the game would remain largely the same, and while Stuttgart would find a way past Thibaut Courtois, their strike would be sandwiched by two poor goals to give away: scored by Kylian Mbappé and Antonio Rüdiger.
Los Blancos added a third with the final kick of the game through Endrick, but the Spaniards will be counting their lucky stars as on another night, they could have been embarrassed by an impressive Stuttgart side.
Stuttgart show Champions League quality
Having begun their Bundesliga campaign in disappointing fashion—taking just four points from their first three league games—there was concern that Carlo Ancelotti’s side would remind Stuttgart of the quality required to compete at the top level.
Nevertheless, despite Die Roten’s domestic results, their performances have been impressive, and against Real Madrid, this pattern once again came to fruition.
Undoubtedly, there is quality amongst this Stuttgart side, and over the course of the ninety minutes, they proved just this, dominating Los Blancos in every area of the pitch for the majority of the game.
However, two poor goals given away in the second half ultimately highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides, but this is not to say Hoeneß’s side cannot go far into this competition.
There is no expectation for Stuttgart to win the Champions League and beat Real Madrid, but if they can continue to produce the quality they displayed against the Spanish outfit and develop a more clinical end product, then there is no reason as to why they cannot be the surprise package this season.
Deniz Undav should be Germany’s number nine
After struggling to make a name for himself in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion, there was hope that when Deniz Undav arrived on loan at Stuttgart last season he would be able to get his career back on track.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old impressed more than anyone believed he would, often outshining Serhou Guirassy at times.
Therefore, when Die Roten made his move permanent in the summer, there was great expectation placed upon Undav’s shoulders, and he is yet to disappoint.
Having already opened his tally in the Bundesliga, Undav has now registered his first goal in the Champions League, pouncing on the one opportunity presented to him.
While he was found offside on the odd occasion, Undav was a key focal point for Die Roten and led the line with quality, and should he carry on to impress at such a high level, then he may force himself into Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI for Germany.
Real Madrid are beatable
At the end of last season, Borussia Dortmund would have felt frustrated to not be crowned European champions after playing Real Madrid off the park in the Champions League final.
Nevertheless, BvB were unable to take their chances, and in an inspired 20 minutes, Los Blancos found two goals to win the tie.
Stuttgart have, however, proven that this Madrid side are not as unforgiving as those of seasons past, and had they made the most of their chances, Hoeneß’s side could have walked away with four or five goals.
This will give many sides in the competition a confidence boost, especially Dortmund, who are set to face Real in the Champions League group stages.
Despite boasting the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham, it is clear that they have not yet kicked into gear, and their vulnerabilities could cost them
GGFN | Will Shopland
