The excitement is building ahead of the Real Madrid vs Stuttgart clash on 17 September 2024, as this surely will be a pulse-racing clash. This will all give this contest added intrigue, particularly with Stuttgart returning to the Champions League for the first time in over a decade. Back in Group G, defending Champions Real Madrid will be hoping to begin their quest to keep hold of the title on home soil at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Head-to-Head Record

Real Madrid have had the better of past duels with German clubs. According to past encounters:

• Real Madrid victories: 42
• German team victories: 24
• Draws: 16
• Goals aggregate: 155-121 (Real Madrid)

This impressive track record positions Real Madrid as strong favorites, especially with home advantage at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Betting Opportunities and Odds

If you’re looking to place a bet on Real Madrid vs Stuttgart, here are some key odds from the Starbet platform:

• Real Madrid win (1.29): A win that looks fairly comfortable by the odds.
• Stuttgart win (6.50): Stuttgart are heavy underdogs, but those bold and brave enough to bet on them if they surprise the masses will be well compensated.

Key Predictions for the Match

1. Firepower in Attack—Real Madrid: Vinícius Junior and Rodrygo form a formidable trio alongside Kylian Mbappé, who will now be added to an already formidably quick forward line at Real Madrid. These qualities give Mbappé a different dimension to an already dangerous attack, with his creativity and speed giving the Stuttgart defenders more problems than they needed.

2. Stuttgart’s Defensive Strategy: Real Madrid has a favorable chance against Real Madrid, but they need to be very careful defensively. Without key players like Stergiou and Al Dakhil, it might be tough for the German side’s backline to handle Madrid’s offensive threats

3. A High-Scoring Encounter: With Real Madrid looking to capitalize offensively and Stuttgart susceptible defensively, this game has the potential for goals aplenty, making over 2.5 goals a smart betting option.

Real Madrid’s Recent Form

Real Madrid, on the other hand, has just defeated Deportivo Alaves 2-0 in La Liga and hopes to achieve consecutive victories. They have not had the best of starts to 2024/25, but they are capable of putting a good run together and getting in amongst it in the Champions League.

Madrid are probably in a better situation here with a consistent squad, as long as injuries stay away. Now, Toni Kroos is gone, and the likes of Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, and Antonio Rüdiger will probably have to keep them afloat. This has been enhanced this summer by the arrival of Kylian Mbappé too, adding even more threats to their front line and making them a team to be feared in this tournament.

Stuttgart’s Return to the Champions League

Stuttgart making the Champions League after a 14-year drought unto itself would be a remarkable achievement. This season, Stuttgart has undergone many changes under Sebastian Hennes and shelled out more than €75.5 million to complement their squad for the void left by departed players on the other side.

They head into this contest on the heels of a 3-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga. But the Champions League is a different breed of competition, and with very little European experience in their squad, it could be quite difficult. Still, their league form will fill them with same-league confidence ahead of this daunting European evening.

Potential Line-Ups

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe.

Stuttgart (4-2-3-1: Nubel; Vagnoman, Chase, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Rieder; Demirovic, Undav

Real Madrid may also still have to do without three top performers for the time being, namely David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham. But they have more than adequate enough squad depth to cope with a few absentees.

Stuttgart, meanwhile, are hampered with defensive injuries to Stergiou and Al Dakhil — this could leave the German side vulnerable at the back, giving Real Madrid more opportunities in front of goal.