Real Madrid - VfB Stuttgart live online score, stats and updates | League phase Champions League

Stuttgart support in great numbers in the Spanish capital.

It's been more than a decade since Stuttgart made it to the Champions League - a run stretching back to 2010 - and the travelling support are making themselves heard in Madrid. An incredible turnout from the Stuttgart fans ahead of kick-off at the Bernabeu. 

Vinicius and Tchouameni in the zone.

Real Madrid's great strength is their big-Game experience. Even their 'young' players are European champions and know exactly what is required to make it through in the Champions League. 

Will that experience be crucial tonight against an exciting young Stuttgart side?

REAL MADRID

Ancelotti rages against new Champions League format

The Real Madrid boss is known for his cool, composed touchline manner but Ancelotti made his feeling known about the new Champions League format. Here's that the Italian had to say ahead of the UCL opener...

Carlo Ancelotti rages against new UCL format

Chris Fuhrich returns to Stuttgart starting XI.

After being rested for the win over Monchengladbach, Chris Fuhrich returns to the Stuttgart team against Real Madrid. The 26-year-old forwards has developed into a real creative fulcrum in recent years, winning a call-up to Germany's senior squad for the European Championship earlier this year. 

He's one that the Madrid backline needs to keep an eye on. 

SOCCER

What happens if there’s a tie in the new UEFA Champions League? How the scoring works

The new format of the Champions League will take some getting used to, with the traditional group stage replaced with an expanded 'league phase' from 2024/25 onwards. 

Here's a closer look at what that means in the event of a tie...

Champions League tie-break rules

Quick start to new Champions League format.

We're just over 45 minutes into the 2024/25 Champions League and we've already had goals aplenty. Juventus and Aston Villa both find themselves two goals to the good in their UCL openers. 

Will Vinicius Junior be the match-winner again?

Jude Bellingham enjoyed a historic 2023/24 campaign. Kylian Mbappe is tipped to be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo. But, despite those illustrious recent additions, it is Vinicius Junior that Real Madrid so often turn to in key moments. 

The Brazilian star has scored goals in two Champions League finals - both of which Real Madrid won - and he was on top form against Real Sociedad last weekend. 

SOCCER

Who is Umut Meler, the referee for Real Madrid - Stuttgart? Champions League 2024/25

The man in the middle at the Santiago Bernabeu today will be Umut Meler, who has a lengthy History in top European comPetitions and has overseen Real Madrid matches in the past. 

Here's everything you need to know...

Who is the referee for Real Madrid - Stuttgart?

Dynamic duo reunite for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid prepare for their Champions League opener and the big names are out tonight. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are joined by Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in a star-studded frontline. 

Can Stuttgart live with Madrid's 'Fab Four'?

Carlo Ancelotti reflects on incredible Champions League history.

"It's the same as at the start because it's a very special comPetition for me, not just for the club. The day-to-day work, being here, getting ready for training, dealing with everyday issues."

"I consider myself very patient because every day there's a problem to solve, although sometimes it's nothing that we consider problems, just like in life".

Real Madrid locker room ready for action.

Here's an inside look at the Real Madrid locker room ahead of the Stuttgart clash, with the team's jerseys lined up in numeric order. They have Alaba, Camavinga and Diaz out due to injury tonight, but it's still an incredible squad for Los Blancos. 

REAL MADRID

Mbappé scores! Shares heartwarming celebration with best friend from Real Madrid squad!

As expected, Kylian Mbappe makes his first Champions League appearance for Real Madrid today. After a slow start in LaLiga Mbappe has found form in recent weeks, even taking time to celebrate with a friend last weekend. 

Watch: Kylian Mbappe

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Why aren’t Alaba and Camavinga playing for Real Madrid against Stuttgart in the Champions League game 1?

Real Madrid have one of the most enviable squads in world soccer but they are not without their issues ahead of tonight's Game. David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga are among those absent for Madrid due to injury. 

Real Madrid team news

Stuttgart make themselves heard in Madrid

They may be away from home but the German travellers will not be cowed in the historic Santiago Bernabeu. Stuttgart are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2010 and they are going to make the most of this moment. 

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

A Champions League first for Real Madrid on Tuesday

They may have done it all, won it all, but Real Madrid are entering unfamiliar territory in tonight's game against VfB Stuttgart. 

Here's everything you need to know...

Real Madrid's UCL first

Champions League nights at the Santiago Bernabeu

Here's the sight ahead of kick-off in the Spanish capital. Will we see another memorable night of Champions League action from Real Madrid?

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

What are the main differences with the new Champions League?

First things first, you may have heard that there are some changes to the Champions League format for 2024/25.

In short - there will be a single 36-team table for the duration of the first stage, before returning to a more familiar structure for the knockout rounds. 

In long - here's the full explanation from Roddy Cons...

Champions League format for 2024/25

Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we'll be bringing you full live coverage of Real Madrid - VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League. 

This is the first iteration of the new-look UCL, with the group stage replaced by a 36-team 'league phase'. 

I'm Will Gittins - soccer journalist - and I'll be bringing you all the latest news and updates from Madrid. Away we go...