Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Prediction - Champions League
As the Champions League kicks off, defending champions Real Madrid welcome VfB Stuttgart to the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. It’s a thrilling opener for both sides — Real Madrid, aiming to start their title defense on a high, and Stuttgart, marking their return to Europe’s elite competition after a lengthy 14-year absence.
Stuttgart, managed by Sebastian Hoeneß, is brimming with confidence after a win against Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, they face a stern challenge in this formidable group, which also includes Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. The German side will look to leverage their high-pressing strategy despite being the underdogs, according to bookmakers.
Match tips suggest that a draw might be worth considering given both teams’ performances, though Real Madrid’s individual talent shines through.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Prediction & Betting Tip
Given Real Madrid’s formidable home record and the competitive nature of both teams, our recommended betting tip is to back a draw. This prediction stems from several key factors:
| Real Madrid vs. VfB Stuttgart Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Draw | 5.6 |
- Real Madrid hasn’t lost in their last 13 home games in the Champions League.
- Both teams have shown moments of brilliance, making a stalemate likely.
- The preview suggests an evenly matched contest, despite Real Madrid being favorites. Given these insights, a draw offers enticing odds and reflects the recent performances and potential balance between the squads.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Odds
The bookmakers heavily favor Real Madrid in their Champions League opener against VfB Stuttgart. The odds reflect Real Madrid’s impressive record and home advantage at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Stuttgart, returning to the Champions League after a 14-year absence, enter as the clear underdogs. However, they have shown potential with high-scoring games recently. Here’s a breakdown of the odds for this match:
| Real Madrid vs. VfB Stuttgart Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Real Madrid | 1.31 |
| Draw | 5.97 |
| VfB Stuttgart | 8.31 |
Real Madrid Team Analysis
Real Madrid have been in solid form, showing resilience and consistency in their recent matches. With 3 clean sheets in their last 5 games and an average of 1.80 goals scored per game, their defense and attack are working well in tandem. Here’s a look at their recent performance:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | Real Madrid | 0-2 (Win) |
| Real Madrid | Real Betis | 2-0 (Win) |
| Las Palmas | Real Madrid | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Real Madrid | Real Valladolid | 3-0 (Win) |
| Mallorca | Real Madrid | 1-1 (Draw) |
Real Madrid’s solidity at the back, combined with their attacking prowess, particularly at home, makes them formidable. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, they aim to continue this b run in the Champions League opener against VfB Stuttgart.
Real Madrid Key Players
Real Madrid boasts an arsenal of elite talents ready to make an impact. Thibaut Courtois, the reliable goalkeeper, has consistently been a rock at the back, contributing to the impressive clean sheet record. In defense, Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger form a central pairing that blends physicality with tactical nous.
The midfield trio of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham balances defensive cover and creative flair, energizing both attack and defense. Up front, the electrifying Vinícius Júnior, relentless Kylian Mbappé, and versatile Rodrygo are set to spearhead Real Madrid’s offensive efforts. This trio promises to keep Stuttgart’s defense on high alert. Expected lineup for Real Madrid:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Daniel Carvajal, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy
- Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
- Attackers: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
Real Madrid Suspensions & Injuries
Real Madrid faces several injury concerns heading into their Champions League opener against VfB Stuttgart. Notably, Dani Ceballos and Brahim Díaz, who could have added depth and creativity to the midfield, are sidelined for an extended period. This could leave Carlo Ancelotti with limited options off the bench.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| David Alaba | Cruciate ligament injury | Doubtful |
| Eduardo Camavinga | Muscle injury | Late September 2024 |
| Dani Ceballos | Ankle injury | Late September 2024 |
| Jacobo Ramón | Muscle injury | Late September 2024 |
| Brahim Díaz | Thigh injury | Mid December 2024 |
Ancelotti is likely to rely on younger talents like Arda Güler to fill gaps, but the absence of seasoned players could impact squad rotation and overall match strategy.
Real Madrid Tactics and Formation
Real Madrid Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Kylian Mbappe
- Midfield Trio: Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
- Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five matches
- Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions
Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, typically deploys a 4-3-3 formation. With Thibaut Courtois in goal, their defense is anchored by Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger. Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal operate as full-backs, providing width and support in attack.
In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni plays the holding role, with Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham adding both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Up front, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo flank star forward Kylian Mbappe, ensuring a dynamic and potent attack. Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility and depth will be essential, particularly given the injury concerns.
VfB Stuttgart Team Analysis
VfB Stuttgart has shown a mixed bag of results in their last five outings, demonstrating impressive attacking prowess but inconsistent defensive stability. They have managed three wins, one draw, and one loss. With an average of 3.20 goals scored per game, their offensive threat is evident. However, they’ve recorded only one clean sheet, indicating vulnerabilities at the back. Here’s a breakdown of their last 5 matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Borussia Moenchengladbach | VfB Stuttgart | 1-3 (Win) |
| VfB Stuttgart | Kaiserslautern | 4-1 (Win) |
| VfB Stuttgart | Mainz 05 | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Preussen Muenster | VfB Stuttgart | 0-5 (Win) |
| Freiburg | VfB Stuttgart | 3-1 (Loss) |
VfB Stuttgart Key Players
Expected lineup for VfB Stuttgart:
- Goalkeeper: Alexander Nübel
- Defenders: Josha Vagnoman, Anrie Chase, Julian Chabot, Maximilian Mittelstädt
- Defensive Midfielders: Atakan Karazor, Angelo Stiller
- Right Wing: Jamie Leweling
- Left Wing: Chris Führich
- Attacking Midfielder: Enzo Millot
- Forward: Deniz Undav
Deniz Undav will be key for Stuttgart’s attacking play, likely to face off against Real Madrid’s solid central defenders, Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger. Enzo Millot in the midfield could play a pivotal role in driving Stuttgart’s offensive attempts and will need to navigate the challenging presence of Madrid’s midfield dynamo, Federico Valverde.
At the back, Josha Vagnoman and Anrie Chase need to guard against the potent forward line of Kylian Mbappe, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo. Nübel’s goalkeeping skills will be tested extensively against Madrid’s relentless attacks.
VfB Stuttgart Suspensions & Injuries
VfB Stuttgart face several injury concerns heading into this Champions League clash with Real Madrid. While there are no suspensions to deal with, key players on the injury list might affect Sebastian Hoeneß’s tactical choices.
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Nikolas Nartey | Knee injury | Early October 2024 |
| Leonidas Stergiou | Back injury | A few days |
| Ameen Al Dakhil | Muscle injury | Early October 2024 |
| Frans Krätzig | Calf injury | Early October 2024 |
| Justin Diehl | Dislocated shoulder | Early November 2024 |
Nikolas Nartey’s absence in midfield could hinder Stuttgart’s ability to disrupt Real Madrid’s play. The backline will miss Leonidas Stergiou and Ameen Al Dakhil, potentially affecting the team’s defensive stability against Madrid’s potent attack. With these key players out, Stuttgart’s depth will be tested in a high-stakes match.
VfB Stuttgart Tactics and Formation
VfB Stuttgart’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Deniz Undav upfront
- Creative Engine: Enzo Millot as the attacking midfielder
- Wide Options: Jamie Leweling on the right wing, Chris Führich on the left
Sebastian Hoeneß will likely opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation to provide a balance between attack and defense. The double pivot of Atakan Karazor and Angelo Stiller aims to break up Real Madrid’s dominance in the midfield.
Expect Stuttgart to leverage their speed on the flanks, with Leweling and Führich delivering dangerous crosses and creating width. With Deniz Undav leading the line, Stuttgart’s attacking strategy will depend on quick transitions and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. This could test Real Madrid’s defensive setup, especially in wide areas.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Head-to-Head Statistics
There is no head-to-head information available for previous matches between Real Madrid and VfB Stuttgart. This will be the first time these two teams face each other in the Champions League. With no historical data to rely on, fans can look forward to a fresh and intriguing contest between the Spanish giants and the German underdogs. Keep an eye out for how each team’s strategies and current form come into play in this novel encounter.
