Overview
After two defeats against Bayer Leverkusen in the German Super Cup and Freiburg in the opening day of the Bundesliga, Stuttgart are playing extremely impressively.
In the next 4 matches, they won 3 and drew 1, scoring 15 goals. This series of positive results will further strengthen Stuttgart's confidence on the day of returning to the Champions League arena.
Stuttgart's 6 matches since the beginning of the season have always had at least 4 goals (30 goals in total, an average of 5 goals/match). However, Stuttgart have only kept a clean sheet once against a lower-ranked team in the German Cup.
Having to visit the Bernabeu will be an extremely difficult challenge for Stuttgart. Not only are they the reigning Champions League champions, Real Madrid are also unbeaten in the 2024-2025 season.
At home, Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 42 matches in all competitions and have kept a clean sheet in half of those matches.
However, Los Blancos also have their own problems. The departure of Toni Kroos is leaving a huge gap in midfield, as Real has not been able to find a capable replacement. In addition, the storm of injuries is also disrupting the "White Vulture" squad.
This is the time for coach Carlo Ancelotti to show his tactical flexibility. Overall, Real Madrid's squad is still superior to their opponents, in addition to their experience in the European arena.
Human resources situation
Real Madrid are yet to use Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy. These players will not be able to return until the end of September at the earliest.
Eder Militao picked up a minor injury after returning from the Brazil squad and is doubtful of playing. Meanwhile, David Alaba could be on the bench after a long absence.
On the other side of the front line, Stuttgart will lose Leonodas Stergiou until the end of September. Ameen Al Dakhil and Nikolas Nartey are expected to be out for another 3-4 weeks. Meanwhile, Frans Kratzig's return date is unknown.
Expected lineup:
Real Madrid: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy, Valverde, Modric, Rodrygo, Guler, Vinicius, Mbappe.
Stuttgart: Nubel, Vagnoman, Chase, Chabot, Mittelstadt, Millot, Karazor, Stiller, Fuhrich, Undav, Demirovic.
The match between Real Madrid and Stuttgart takes place at 2:00 a.m. on September 18 (Vietnam time).
