Real Madrid return to action in the UEFA Champions League this week. They face VfB Stuttgart at home in the first group-stage match, with key players hoping to be the difference-makers.
Last season, Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League. However, it was German opposition who threw them severe obstacles.
Firstly, it was RB Leipzig who held them to a stalemate in the second leg. Then, Bayern Munich fought until the very end and even looked to be going through themselves in the semifinal. Ultimately, the final was against Borussia Dortmund and it took until the 74th minute to break the deadlock.
So, Real Madrid might rely on these 3 key players to make the difference against VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday evening.
Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart: 3 players that can be the difference
1. Dani Carvajal
Nominated for the Ballon d'Or, Real Madrid's vice captain Dani Carvajal will be hopeful to make more of a name for himself before 2024 comes to an end.
In his last UEFA Champions League match, Dani Carvajal opened the scoring courtesy of an unexpected header against Borussia Dortmund in the final. So, he opened the floodgates for Real Madrid to win the Champions League.
Dani Carvajal has played every match so far this season for Real Madrid. He will almost certainly start and as the best full-back in the world, will be the difference-maker, either defensively or offensively.
2. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is now off the mark for Real Madrid and he will be excited to make his Champions League debut for them.
Much like he did in the Super Cup, the best outcome for Real Madrid will be to score a goal in the opening Champions League game this season. His competition for the top goal-scorer is heated this season but with Real Madrid, the favourable winners, Mbappe could lead the goal-scoring charts.
3. Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham missed the international break and Real Madrid's last Liga match against Real Sociedad. Nevertheless, he is back in training so he is back in contention for Real Madrid.
As a player who thrived in the Champions League last season, Jude Bellingham will be eager to play a big role against VfB Stuttgart, a team he played consistently while at Borussia Dortmund.
Jude Bellingham, like the two other players in this list, is up for the Ballon d'Or. So, a strong start in the UEFA Champions League could help his chances.