Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart: Champions League Opener Preview and Match Officials

The new Champions League season is underway, and Real Madrid is ready to defend their title. Their first opponent is VfB Stuttgart, a formidable German side, and the match is set to be a thrilling encounter.

Preview and Match Officials

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic about the match, with several key players recovering from injuries. Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and defender Eder Militao are expected to be available after missing some recent training sessions. While the team will be without Eduardo Camavinga, Nacho, and Joselu, the addition of Kylian Mbappe to the squad adds a potent attacking dimension. Ancelotti is eager to start their title defense with “the best player in the world.”

This season, all three European club competitions, including the Champions League, have been expanded to 36 teams. Additionally, Real Madrid will participate in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, starting next June in the United States.

Team Lineups

Here are the confirmed starting lineups for both teams:

Real Madrid:

Thibaut Courtois (gk), Lucas Vazquez, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe

VfB Stuttgart:

Alexander Nubel (gk), Josha Vagnoman, Anthony Rouault, Julian Chabot, Maximilian Mittelstadt, Jamie Leweling, Angelo Stiller, Atakan Karazor, Enzo Millot, Chris Fuhrich, Denis Undav

Match Officials

The match will be officiated by a team of Turkish and Dutch referees:

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Referee:

Umut Meler (TUR)
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Assistant referees:

Kerem Ersoy (TUR), Ibrahim Çaglar Uyarcan (TUR)
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Video Assistant Referee:

Rob Dieperink (NED)
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Assistant Video Assistant referees:

Pol van Boekel (NED)
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Fourth official:

Arda Kardeşler (TUR)

Where and When to Watch

The UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Stuttgart will kick off at 12:30 am IST on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. The match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network and live-streamed on the SonyLiv app and website.