Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League was a game of tactical changes for the German side and individual brilliance for the Spanish side. Both teams were evenly matched in the tie, but Real Madrid knew how to take advantage in the moments that mattered.
The visitors lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and had more possession throughout the match, ultimately ending with 54% control. Stuttgart managed to disrupt Real Madrid's build-up play quite well by closing down the spaces well and forcing errors in possession from Madrid's midfield three of Tchouameni, Valverde, and Bellingham. Its double pivot of Karazor and Stiller was quite impressive in maintaining defensive solidity in the first half. Despite enjoying the majority possession, Stuttgart struggled to fashion clear-cut chances.
But Madrid, despite failing to break through in the first half, were not impatient. Carlo Ancelotti's side indeed resumed their traditional 4-3-3, which rendered them unable to find that last piece of the jigsaw, with Stuttgart's backline resolute. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. were largely contained by Stuttgart's disciplined rearguard, especially through the tireless effort of defenders Rouault and Chabot.
HT: Real Madrid 0-0 Stuttgart
The game changed almost immediately after the break. A defensive error from Stuttgart's Mittelstädt allowed Rodrygo to break free down the right, squaring the ball for Kylian Mbappé to slot home from close range in the 46th minute. This early second-half goal was bound to force Stuttgart now to push forward but did leave them open at the back.
Stuttgart drew again through Deniz Undav, who found himself well-placed to head in from Leweling's cross in the 68th minute. The increased intensity Stuttgart enjoyed afterward made them a constant threat, as saves from Courtois kept Madrid in the match.
In the 83rd minute, Luka Modrić whipped in a great corner that Antonio Rüdiger powered into the net with his header as he restored the lead for Madrid. That was truly a defining moment that deflated Stuttgart of any upset. The presence of Modric, introduced off the bench, allowed Madrid to restore the balance in midfield that had been ceded to Stuttgart in the second half, slowing down the tempo of the game where possible.
Stuttgart pushed forward seeking an equaliser, but eventually, it was Madrid's prowess on the counter-attack that shone through in stoppage time. Dani Carvajal let Endrick through on a counter, and the youngster finished emphatic from the edge of the box to seal a 3-1 victory in the 95th minute.
FT: Real Madrid 3-1 Stuttgart
The defining factor in this game, though, was the clinical edge Real Madrid showed in key moments, particularly from set-pieces and counters. Stuttgart's valiant efforts from Undav to Karazor showcased their ability to challenge Europe's elite, but they lacked the ruthlessness to match Madrid's quality in the final third.
Despite the victory, fans would claim they were inferior tactically and Madrid yet again relied on overperformance from their star players. As most teams would want, this is what it takes to play in this competition anyways, but the question begs, how long until Madrid find their right blueprint?