Real Madrid v VfB Stuttgart Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips – Tuesday, September 17th, 2024

Real Madrid will open their Champions League campaign at home against Stuttgart, who make a return to Europe’s premier competition after a 14-year absence. With both sides eager to make a statement in their first group stage match, this encounter promises to be an exciting affair at the Santiago Bernabéu. Here’s our full preview, prediction, and betting tips for this highly anticipated clash.

Real Madrid vs Stuttgart Preview

Real Madrid enters this game on a strong six-match unbeaten run, including an impressive five-game start to their La Liga season. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s management, the reigning La Liga champions have been in fine form, securing three wins and two draws in their opening five league fixtures. Key victories over Real Valladolid, Real Betis, and Real Sociedad have put them in good stead for this Champions League opener.

Additionally, Real Madrid’s triumph in the UEFA Super Cup, where they defeated Europa League winners Atalanta 2-0, provided them with a solid foundation for this season. The bigger picture shows that the Spanish giants have lost just twice in their last 35 matches across all competitions, with both defeats coming in friendly matches. Having claimed both domestic and European titles last season, Real Madrid will be confident of starting their new campaign in winning fashion.

On the other side, Stuttgart make their return to the Champions League after finishing second in the Bundesliga last season. Their impressive campaign saw them outpace Bayern Munich, who had to settle for third place, while Bayer Leverkusen claimed the title. Stuttgart’s resurgence under their new manager has been impressive, but this season has seen a mixed start for the German side.

Stuttgart opened the new campaign with back-to-back defeats, losing on penalties to Bayer Leverkusen in the German Super Cup and then suffering a 3-1 defeat to Freiburg in the Bundesliga. However, they responded emphatically with a 5-0 thrashing of Preussen Munster in the DFB Pokal and a 3-1 win away to Borussia Mönchengladbach. Despite this, Stuttgart’s lack of European experience, having been absent from the Champions League for 14 years, may prove a hurdle against the reigning champions, especially given their poor historical record at this level (just four wins in 19 ties).

Key Players & Tactical Insights

For Real Madrid, their star-studded squad will be eager to continue their dominant form. With key players like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga in top form, the Spanish giants will look to exploit Stuttgart’s defensive vulnerabilities. Ancelotti’s side has shown an ability to control possession and press high, making them difficult to play against, especially at home.

Stuttgart will rely on their attacking threats, including Serhou Guirassy and Silas Katompa Mvumpa, to trouble Real Madrid’s defense. However, their primary challenge will be containing Real’s fluid attack, and manager Sebastian Hoeneß will need to adopt a tactical approach that minimizes space and counters Madrid’s strength in midfield.

Betting Tips: Real Madrid vs Stuttgart

Main Bet: Real Madrid to Win & Over 2 Goals @ 1.57

Real Madrid has been prolific both in defense and attack this season, and given Stuttgart’s inconsistency at the start of the campaign, a comfortable win for the Spanish giants is highly likely. The bet on Real Madrid to win with over 2 goals offers value at 1.57, considering their attacking power and Stuttgart’s defensive frailties.

Other Betting Options:

• Real Madrid to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.30
  With Real Madrid’s attacking prowess and Stuttgart’s potential struggles in their return to the Champions League, this option is an enticing one. A high-scoring game seems likely, especially if Stuttgart’s defense is overwhelmed by Madrid’s forward line.
• Correct Score: Real Madrid 3-1 @ 10.00
  Real Madrid’s firepower should be enough to put at least three past Stuttgart, but Stuttgart has shown enough in recent weeks to suggest they could grab a goal themselves. A 3-1 result offers excellent odds and seems like a realistic prediction for this encounter.

Match Verdict

Given their domestic and European success last season, Real Madrid looks far too strong for Stuttgart in this contest. While Stuttgart may pose some attacking threats, their lack of Champions League experience and shaky form in the early part of this season suggest that the German side will find it difficult to compete at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid should secure a relatively comfortable victory to kick-start their Champions League campaign in style.

Final Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Stuttgart