Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart: A Complete Timeline of Encounters and Upcoming Fixtures

Introduction

When we think of European football rivalries, Real Madrid and VfB Stuttgart may not be the first clubs that come to mind. However, their meetings over the decades have produced drama, surprise results, and unforgettable performances. From the UEFA Cup ties of the 1970s to the modern-day Champions League encounters, this clash has offered football fans a mix of history, suspense, and quality. In this article, we’ll trace their timeline, highlight major matches, and also look ahead to their upcoming fixtures in the 2025/26 season.

Timeline of Encounters

1. Early European Battles (1970s–1990s)

• 1975 UEFA Cup – Quarter-Finals
  Stuttgart made headlines by winning the first leg 2–0 in Germany. However, Real Madrid used their home advantage to mount a comeback with a 3–0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, progressing to the semi-finals. This clash highlighted Madrid’s resilience in knockout competitions.

• 1991 UEFA Cup
  The two sides met again in the early ’90s. The first leg in Germany ended 1–1, but Madrid’s dominance at home prevailed once more, as they secured a 2–0 victory at the Bernabéu to advance.

2. Champions League Showdowns (2000s)

• 2007/08 UEFA Champions League – Group Stage
  Real Madrid showed their strength in Europe with back-to-back victories. In Stuttgart, Madrid won 2–0 with goals from Raúl and Roberto Carlos. The return leg in Spain was more dramatic, ending in a 3–2 win for Madrid. Both matches underlined Madrid’s consistency and Stuttgart’s ability to fight against elite opposition.

3. Friendlies and Pre-Season Matches

• 2010 Friendly
  In a pre-season fixture, Madrid came out on top with a 3–1 win. Although not competitive, the match gave fans a taste of both clubs’ tactical styles.

• 2019 Friendly in Germany
  This encounter ended 2–2, reflecting Stuttgart’s competitiveness even outside official competitions. While friendlies lack the intensity of European tournaments, they provided both sides with valuable preparation.

4. Recent Highlight: Champions League 2024/25

• September 17, 2024 – Group Stage, Santiago Bernabéu
  This modern clash was one of the most entertaining in their rivalry’s history.

  • 46′: Kylian Mbappé scored just after halftime to put Real Madrid ahead.

  • 68′: Deniz Undav equalized for Stuttgart with a header, giving the visitors hope.

  • 83′: Antonio Rüdiger restored Madrid’s lead with a towering header from a corner.

  • 90+5′: Young star Endrick sealed the win with a spectacular long-range effort.

  Final Score: Real Madrid 3–1 VfB Stuttgart
  The match showcased Madrid’s mix of established stars and rising talents, while Stuttgart impressed with their resilience and attacking spirit.

Summary of Key Matches (Quick Reference Table)

Upcoming Fixtures

A. Real Madrid – Champions League 2025/26

With the introduction of the new league-phase format in the Champions League, Real Madrid faces a demanding campaign:

• They will play against heavyweights like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Juventus.

• The top eight teams in the league phase advance directly to the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9–24 enter play-offs.

• With stars like Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Endrick, Madrid are well-equipped for the challenge.

B. VfB Stuttgart – Bundesliga & European Schedule

Stuttgart’s upcoming fixtures promise excitement across domestic and continental stages:

• September 13, 2025 – Bundesliga: SC Freiburg vs VfB Stuttgart (Away, 15:30).

• September 19, 2025 – Bundesliga: VfB Stuttgart vs FC St. Pauli (Home, 20:30, MHP Arena).

• September 25, 2025 – Europa League: VfB Stuttgart vs Celta Vigo (Home, 19:00).

Stuttgart will aim to balance Bundesliga form with a strong European run, continuing their resurgence in recent years.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Real Madrid and VfB Stuttgart may not be as frequent as others, but every encounter has been impactful.

• In the 1970s and 1990s, Stuttgart posed a challenge, yet Madrid’s European experience always carried them through.

• In the 2000s, Real Madrid proved their dominance in the Champions League.

• Friendlies in 2010 and 2019 added balance to the story, with Stuttgart showing grit.

• The 2024 Champions League match brought the rivalry back to the spotlight, with Madrid’s attacking brilliance sealing the win.

Looking ahead, both clubs have crucial matches on the horizon: Madrid in their Champions League campaign against Europe’s elite, and Stuttgart balancing Bundesliga commitments with Europa League battles. Whenever these two teams meet again, fans can expect passion, drama, and a footballing spectacle.