Wed Sep 18 19:12:23 UTC 2024: ## Real Madrid Edge Past Stuttgart in a Hard-Fought Win, But Concerns Remain
Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart in a match that highlighted both their strengths and weaknesses. Goals from Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, and a last-minute strike from Endrick sealed the win, but the match was far from comfortable for the reigning champions.
Despite dominating possession (54%) and creating as many big chances as their opponents, Stuttgart pushed Madrid to the limit throughout the match, particularly in the first half. This forced Real Madrid to rely on resilience and individual brilliance to secure the victory.
While Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo stood out for Madrid, the performance highlighted their need to improve as a cohesive unit. They struggled to control the midfield, losing more ground duels than Stuttgart and failing to assert their dominance in key moments.
The match also highlighted Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities, with Stuttgart’s aggressive pressing putting them under considerable pressure. While they did manage to win more aerial duels, their lower PPDA (9.35) compared to Stuttgart’s 7.64, indicates a need to address their defensive strategy and improve their overall cohesion.
Overall, the win was a positive result for Real Madrid, but it serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. To truly compete at the highest level, they must address their tactical shortcomings and find a way to perform more consistently as a team.
First Piper 