Real madrid vs vfb stuttgart timeline are two clubs with rich histories in European football, though until recently they had very few direct competitive clashes. Their paths finally crossed in the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League group stage, making for an intriguing fixture: the mighty Real Madrid, holders of a record number of European Cups, against Stuttgart, returning to the Champions League proper after many years. This article traces the timeline of their meeting, analyzes key moments, and considers what the match meant for both clubs.
Background
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Real Madrid
By 2024, Real Madrid had just won their 15th European Cup / Champions League title, reinforcing their status as the most successful club in that competition’s history. UEFA.com+2UEFA.com+2 They had a strong recent record versus German clubs in Europe; for example, Real had beaten Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in high-profile fixtures during the 2023–24 season. UEFA.com -
VfB Stuttgart
For Stuttgart, 2024 marked their return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2009-10. UEFA.com Their history versus Spanish clubs was mixed: some wins in the Europa League, but in general they had a tough time away from home versus strong La Liga sides. UEFA.com -
Head-to-Head
Going into their 2024 match, Real Madrid and VfB Stuttgart had never met in a competitive Champions League match. It was their first meeting at that level. UEFA.com+1
Match Build-Up
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Date and Venue: The game was played on 17 September 2024 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. NDTV Sports+1
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Attendance & Officials: Approximately 71,288 people attended. Halil Umut Meler was the referee. GSA Website+1
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Managers: Real Madrid was managed by Carlo Ancelotti, while Sebastian Hoeneß lead Stuttgart. 11v11+2GSA Website+2
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Expectations: Real Madrid were favorites, given their pedigree and form, but Stuttgart were not without hope — their recent Bundesliga season (2023–24) had been strong: they finished second behind Bayer Leverkusen, ahead of Bayern Munich. UEFA.com
The Game: Real Madrid vs vfb Stuttgart Timeline Of Key Events
Here is how the match unfolded, minute by minute for the most important sequences.
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 0–45’ (First Half) | The first half ended goalless. Neither side seriously broke through. Stuttgart had slightly more possession (≈54%), but Real Madrid remained dangerous whenever in attack. Forza Football+2myKhel+2 |
| 46’ | Kylian Mbappé scored early in the second half to give Real Madrid the lead. He capitalized on an assist from Rodrygo. myKhel+2Forza Football+2 |
| ~23–30’ (First Half Yellow Cards) | Before the interval, Real Madrid had some disciplinary issues: Lucas Vázquez and Maximilian Mittelstädt (of Stuttgart) received yellow cards, among others. Stuttgart’s Mittelstädt in particular committed fouls in dangerous areas. Forza Football+1 |
| 68’ | Deniz Undav equalized for Stuttgart with a header, making it 1–1. Stuttgart looked lively and dangerous, pushing Real Madrid. myKhel+2Forza Football+2 |
| 80-83’ | Madrid pressed for a winner. Antonio Rüdiger headed in a goal in minute 83, putting Real ahead 2–1. This shifted the momentum back to Madrid. myKhel+1 |
| 90’ + Additional Time | In stoppage time (approx. 90 + 5’), Endrick, a young substitute for Real Madrid, sealed the game with a powerful long-range strike. Final score: Real Madrid 3, VfB Stuttgart 1. myKhel+1 |
Tactical Highlights & Key Players
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Real Madrid’s Strategy: They started cautiously, seemingly respecting Stuttgart’s pace and energy. After the break, Madrid’s sharper transitions and quality in attack (especially from Mbappé, Rodrygo, and substitutes) made the difference. Defensively, while they had moments of vulnerability (especially when Stuttgart pressed), Madrid’s experience showed in closing out the game.
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Stuttgart’s Performance: They showed fighting spirit especially after the equalizer. Their ability to stay organized, win possession, and actually out-possess real madrid vs vfb stuttgart timeline for stretches was a positive sign. However, lack of clinical finishing and allowing Madrid time in crucial moments cost them.
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Standouts:
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Kylian Mbappé, for getting Madrid off to a perfect start after half-time.
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Antonio Rüdiger, for scoring a vital goal and helping with defensive stability.
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Endrick, whose goal was a textbook example of taking chances in the dying moments.
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For Stuttgart, Deniz Undav impressed by scoring the equalizer and offering attacking threat.
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Significance & Aftermath
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For Real Madrid:
The result was vital in starting their Champions League title defence. Group stage points at home are precious, especially against a side that could cause trouble. The late winner also reflects Madrid’s ability to dig in and find results even when not at their best. It also offered confidence in squad depth (with Endrick’s influence off the bench) and resilience. -
For Stuttgart:
Despite the loss, there were many positives. Returning to the Champions League after 15 years and putting up a performance against arguably the most decorated European club is no small feat. The match exposed areas for improvement — defensive concentration late on, finishing chances — but also demonstrated they belong at this level. -
Historical Context:
This match will go down as the first ever competitive meeting between Real Madrid and Stuttgart in the Champions League proper. It adds to real madrid vs vfb stuttgart timeline long history of facing German clubs; and for Stuttgart, this is part of their re-emergence on the European stage. UEFA+1
Broader Impact
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Champions League group dynamics: Starting with three points gives Madrid an early advantage. For Stuttgart, a road trip like this and getting a point (if they had held on) could have changed the complexion of the group. As it is, Stuttgart need to be solid at home and grab results elsewhere to stay in contention for knockout qualification or a Europa League fallback.
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Momentum & Confidence: Real madrid vs vfb stuttgart timeline gaining three late goals indicates mental strength, which could carry into domestic and further European matches. For Stuttgart, showing they can play in Madrid without capitulating is psychologically important, even in defeat.
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Media & Fan Perspectives: The match was widely covered. Madrid fans breathe easier when the final whistle arrives with a win; Stuttgart fans and Germany are reminded that even after long absences, their clubs can compete.
Possible Lessons & Looking Ahead
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Squad Management: Use of substitutes (like Endrick) by Madrid turned out to be decisive. Stuttgart might reflect on how to maintain pressure late in games, possibly with better rotation or tactical adjustments.
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Closing Out Matches: Stuttgart will need to work on defensive shape in the final minutes and avoiding conceding late goals — something that often separates progressing teams from fallen ones in tournaments like this.
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Experience vs Youth: Madrid blended veteran composure with youth energy (e.g. Endrick). Stuttgart will need similar balance — experienced heads to guide younger players in high-pressure European matches.
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What to Watch Next:
For real madrid vs vfb stuttgart timeline, group stage matches away will now be crucial for securing top spot. For Stuttgart, home matches, especially under pressure, will test their mettle. Their ability to learn from this match will be a barometer for how competitive they can be this season in Europe.
Match Timeline (Minute-by-Minute Key Moments)
Here’s a more granular timeline of the important moments:
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0’ Kick-off
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23’ Yellow card to Lucas Vázquez (real madrid vs vfb stuttgart timeline) for a foul. Stuttgart gaining some momentum. GSA Website+1
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30’ Yellow card shown to Mittelstädt (Stuttgart) for foul on Vázquez. GSA Website+1
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45+’ No goals in the first half, some tension building. myKhel+1
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46’ Mbappé scores the opener right after half-time: 1-0. myKhel+1
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67-68’ Stuttgart equalize via Deniz Undav, taking advantage of a phase of Real momentarily off balance. 1-1. myKhel+2GSA Website+2
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80-83’ Madrid push; Rüdiger heads them ahead: 2-1. Madrid regaining control. myKhel+1
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90’ + In stoppage time, Endrick’s goal (approx +5) seals the result: 3-1. myKhel+2Forza Football+2
Comparative Stats & Performance Indicators
A few statistics to illustrate how close the match was, and areas where Stuttgart were competitive even in defeat:
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Possession: Stuttgart had a slight possession advantage (≈54%) over Madrid. Forza Football
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Shots: Real had 20 total shots, 8 on target; Stuttgart 17 total, 7 on target. Forza Football
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xG (Expected Goals): real madrid vs vfb stuttgart timeline xG was higher (~2.6) vs Stuttgart (~1.9) — indicating Madrid created more high-quality chances. Forza Football
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Corners & Offsides: Real had more corners; Stuttgart had more offside calls. These marginal details again showing Stuttgart were not outclassed tactically, just edged out. Forza Football
Conclusion
The real madrid vs vfb stuttgart timeline encounter of September 2024 was more than just another Champions League match; it was a symbolic meeting of long histories, a test of Madrid’s ability to defend their title, and a moment for Stuttgart to reassert themselves in Europe. Ultimately, Madrid’s experience, quality in decisive moments, and squad depth made the difference. For Stuttgart, the match served as both a measuring stick and a valuable learning experience.
While the 3-1 win seemed comfortable in the end, the journey of the match suggests that Stuttgart can be a dangerous opponent, especially if they maintain discipline and sharpen their finishing. real madrid vs vfb stuttgart timeline, meanwhile, reinforced why they are a perennial contender: seizing moments, closing matches, and making the depth of their squad count when the game is on the line.

