Confirmed lineups: Real Madrid vs. VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart return to European football's main stage after a 15-year hiatus, and what better way to re-enter the limelight than a mouthwatering tie against 15-times winners of the competition in Real Madrid.
Sebastian Hoeneß has made 3 changes to his team that overcame Borussia Mönchengladbach on a 3-1 scoreline last Saturday. Somewhat surprisingly, Ermedin Demirović drops to the bench.
The sole swap in defence sees Anrie Chase replaced by fit again Anthony Rouault. Meanwhile, Enzo Millot and Chris Führich will play either side of Deniz Undav up top, as Fabian Rieder and the aforementioned Demirović make their way to the dugout.
As for the Galacticos from the Spanish capital, their lineup is as star-studded as ever. Carlo Ancelotti opts for 4 alterations from their 2-0 win over Real Sociedad on the weekend.
Eder Militão drops out for Lucas Vázquez as Dani Carvajal makes an unorthodox move inside to right centre-half. Aurelien Tchouameni replaces the experienced Luka Modrić, while Brahim Diaz and Arda Güler depart for Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.
Confirmed Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart lineups:
Real Madrid (4-4-2): Courtois - Vázquez, Carvajal (c), Rüdiger, Mendy - Rodrygo, Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham - Mbappé, Vinicius Jr
VfB Stuttgart (4-3-3): Nübel - Vagnoman, Rouault, Chabot, Mittelstädt - Leweling, Stiller, Karazor (c) - Millot, Undav, Führich