Real Madrid began their Champions League title defense with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Stuttgart on Tuesday, thanks to late goals from Antonio Rudiger and Endrick Felipe.
The match was challenging for the reigning champions, especially after Stuttgart equalized, putting Real Madrid under pressure. Ancelotti praised the team’s resilience in overcoming that setback. “The game could have been over after the equalizer,” he said, “but we had the strength to score again.”
Ancelotti’s remarks highlight the tough nature of Champions League football, where even top teams must navigate difficult moments to secure wins. While the match against Stuttgart was not easy, it demonstrated Real Madrid’s ability to endure pressure. With a strong start to their title defense, the team aims to build on this momentum in the weeks ahead.
Endrick’s goal was a standout moment; the 18-year-old fired an impressive 25-yard shot, earning widespread praise. Ancelotti commended the young player’s bravery for opting to shoot rather than pass, stating, “He has balls, because it was a counterattack, and he had the courage to shoot.”
Reflecting on the overall performance, Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulties faced during the match at Santiago Bernabeu. While he was satisfied with the result, he noted it wasn’t a smooth journey. “It was good,” he said. “We’ve had difficult moments, but that’s normal. I don’t remember an easy match. You always have to suffer, especially at the beginning when you’re not at your best.”
