Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation, has reignited his pursuit of a European title with a goal in his Champions League debut for Real Madrid. The 24-year-old forward found the net just seconds into the second half of Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Mbappé’s goal, which came after a cross from Rodrygo, gave the defending champions an early lead. However, Stuttgart equalized through Deniz Undav in the 68th minute. Antonio Rüdiger restored Madrid’s advantage in the 83rd minute, and substitute Endrick sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.
Mbappé’s goal was his 49th in the Champions League, placing him among the top 10 all-time scorers in the competition. It was also his third goal in three consecutive matches and his fifth in seven games for Madrid in all competitions.
“I can do more,” Mbappé said after the match. “I’m feeling better match after match.”
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was named the man of the match for his crucial saves that prevented Stuttgart from capitalizing on their scoring opportunities.
Mbappé had been relatively quiet before scoring, with his best chance coming in the 25th minute when his low shot was saved. He was also free inside the area a few minutes later, but Federico Valverde’s cross was intercepted.
Madrid struggled to create clear-cut chances early on, with Stuttgart posing the greater threat. The German side had several one-on-one situations and even hit the crossbar. Vinícius Júnior also hit the crossbar for Madrid.
Mbappé, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, failed to win the Champions League during his seven seasons with Paris Saint-Germain. He joined Madrid as a free agent at the end of last season, hoping to boost his chances of lifting the European trophy with the team that has won the competition six times in the last 11 years.
Mbappé reached the semifinals of the Champions League with Monaco in 2017 and was a beaten finalist with PSG in 2020. He was also in the semifinals with PSG in 2021 and last season.
