Real Madrid wins it late to begin UCL title defence

Antonio Rudiger and Endrick rescued Real Madrid in a hard-fought win over Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid took the lead early in the second half but conceded in the 68^th minute, leaving the tie ending in a draw. However, late goals from Rudiger and Endrick gave Madrid the victory.

The German side will have themselves to blame as they lost two one-on-one opportunities in the first half.

Madrid didn’t concede in the first half, thanks to their goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, who denied the visitors from scoring in a couple of chances.

However, the defending champions took the lead 20 seconds into the second half, as Kylian Mbappe marked his debut in Europe’s top competition for Los Blancos with a goal.

The French captain tapped in an unselfishly squared ball from Rodrygo to put the Spanish Giants in front.

Former Brighton forward Deniz Undav equalised for Stuttgart, making the mood tense inside the Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side took the lead with an 83rd-minute corner from Luka Modric headed by Antonio Rudiger, before substitute Endrick wrapped it up in the 94th.

The win gave Madrid a good start to their title defense as they hope to win their 16^th European crown.