Real Madrid take on the visitors Stuttgart in the round 1 match of UEFA Champions League group stage. The match will be played on Tuesday, September 17th at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid).
Real Madrid were excellent last season. Ironically, the only trophy they missed out on was the Copa del Rey, the sole prize they had managed to win in the 2022/2023 campaign. However, Carlo Ancelotti did secure the Spanish Super Cup, clinched La Liga early, and despite challenges from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, won the Champions League. Still, there were lingering questions from the summer transfer window. Despite strengthening an already formidable attack with the signing of Mbappé and the purchase of Endrick, Florentino Pérez did not find successors for Kroos or Nacho. Perhaps this has come back to haunt them. Yes, Real Madrid confidently defeated Atalanta 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup, with the final goal coming from Kylian Mbappé. But in La Liga, their first two away matches, against Mallorca and Las Palmas, both ended in 1-1 draws, giving Barcelona an early advantage. In September, Real Madrid managed a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad, thanks to penalty goals in the second half.
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Stuttgart has predictably struggled so far. The "Swabians" still remember their sensational title win under Armin Veh. While there was little hope for another "silver salad bowl" (Bundesliga title) this season, the club, which had recently fought to stay in Bundesliga 1 via playoff matches, outperformed even Bayern Munich and only fell short of a remarkable Bayer Leverkusen. However, it was expected that Stuttgart would struggle this season, despite Sebastian Hoeneß and his staff staying on. The departure of Serhou Guirassy, who averaged almost a goal per game last season when they finished as runners-up, has hit hard. Yes, they bought the contract of Undav, another key forward, and added talented newcomers like Demirović. But August mostly brought disappointments. They let Bayer Leverkusen equalize late in the Super Cup and lost in a penalty shootout. In the Bundesliga, they started with a 1-3 loss away at Freiburg and a 3-3 home draw with Mainz. However, they rebounded with a 3-1 away win over Borussia Mönchengladbach in September.
These two teams have never crossed paths before, as the Spanish giants and the German mid-table side had no opportunities to meet. Real Madrid is strong and experienced. Bet on them to win with a handicap of "-1.5 goals."
Prediction for the match: Real Madrid to win with -1,5 goals.
