The format of the Champions League may have changed, but few are betting against the winner remaining the same. With Real Madrid already holding a record 15 titles, the arrival of superstar striker Kylian Mbappe has made the reigning champions an even more formidable force in the competition.
German side Stuttgart will face the challenge of playing against the European titleholders in the opening week of the tournament, traveling to the iconic Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. Madrid claimed their latest Champions League crown last season by defeating Borussia Dortmund in the Wembley final, their sixth triumph in the last 11 years.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti, the most successful manager in the tournament’s history with five wins, is still perfecting his strategy to fully unleash Mbappe’s potential in open play.
However, confidence remains high that the 25-year-old will hit his stride soon. Mbappe had his best game yet for Madrid in a 2-0 La Liga victory over Real Sociedad, where his speed and link-up play with Vinicius Junior stood out. Though his goal came from a penalty, Mbappe is eagerly anticipating his Champions League debut in Madrid’s famous white kit.
“It’s a big moment for me,” said Mbappe. “I came to Madrid for nights like this. The Champions League has changed, but we have to focus on winning to start well.”
Real Madrid’s group stage includes rematches against Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, whom they defeated in previous finals, with Stuttgart being their first challenge. Madrid have already won the UEFA Super Cup this season, defeating Atalanta with Mbappe scoring in his debut. Defender Antonio Rudiger will be facing his former club Stuttgart, where he spent four seasons.
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Despite injuries to key midfielders Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, and Aurelien Tchouameni, Ancelotti remains hopeful that Bellingham and Tchouameni will be fit for the Stuttgart match.
While Mbappe is drawing the spotlight, Madrid’s squad is packed with talent. Bellingham made a significant impact last season after joining from Dortmund, and Vinicius Junior was pivotal in their semi-final and final performances against Bayern Munich and Dortmund, respectively.
Although Vinicius has struggled to find his form early this season, Ancelotti remains patient, noting, “We’ve won two Champions Leagues with Vini, and he’ll get back to his best.”
Mbappe and Vinicius are working to strengthen their on-field chemistry, with both scoring penalties in the win over Real Sociedad. “We’re building a connection in training,” said Mbappe. “It’s not about who takes the penalties, it’s about scoring goals and helping the team.”
Mbappe has already netted three La Liga goals this season, while Vinicius has two. Once both players hit top form, Madrid’s chances of adding another Champions League title to their collection will become even stronger.