2024-09-18 13:26:27
Played well, but was not rewarded: Stuttgart narrowly lost to Real Madrid despite numerous chances. The decisive goal was scored by a former VfB professional.
VfB Stuttgart narrowly missed the first big surprise of the new Champions League season. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s team lost 1:3 (0:0) to defending champions Real Madrid despite numerous great chances.
The important 2-1 for Real was scored by German international and former Stuttgart player Antonio Rüdiger (83′) with a header following a corner. Endrick then scored in injury time (90′ +5′). Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé (46′) and Deniz Undav (68′) had previously scored.
After the final whistle, Stuttgart coach Hoeneß spoke on Amazon Prime Video of a “typical Real Madrid game”. The second goal against him was particularly hard on him: “I’m currently disappointed that we lost a game that seemed to be under control due to a set piece,” said the VfB coach. Nevertheless, he was “proud” of his team’s performance.
VfB caught Real completely off guard at the start thanks to intensive pressing. In the 3rd minute, Leweling was thwarted from a tight angle by the strong Real goalkeeper Courtois.
Just five minutes later, Millot put the ball just wide of the goal after a pass from Undav. Courtois then showed his class three times within a few minutes, parrying against Leweling (11th), Millot (14th) and Stiller (16th) – although the ball hit the crossbar after Millot’s shot.
After the Swabians’ surprising opening quarter of an hour, Real came into the game a little better. Stuttgart goalkeeper Nübel made a desperate save from close range against Mbappé in the 25th minute.
Just three minutes later, VfB again hit the crossbar – this time in the form of Undav. His deflected shot after a counterattack hit the top of the goal (28′). Just three minutes later, Rodrygo narrowly missed the Stuttgart goal.
After that, things got hectic in the Stuttgart penalty area: After an alleged foul by Mittelstädt against Rüdiger, the referee initially awarded a penalty (33′), but corrected this decision after video evidence.
Immediately after the half-time break, Real struck with ice-cold precision. After a quick counterattack, world star Mbappé pushed the ball safely over the goal line (46′).
This clearly put a damper on Stuttgart and the game lost some of its momentum compared to the furious first half. Undav then rescued VfB from their lethargy after a corner and secured the surprising 1:1 (67th minute). In the final phase, Rüdiger (83rd minute) and Endrick (90th minute +5) then sealed the victory for the “Royals”.