Real Madrid vs VfB Stuttgart Tips - Real to begin Champions League defence with a win

VfB Stuttgart were able to secure all three points in the Bundesliga as they beat Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 on the road. 

This will be the first time the two sides have met in a competitive match. 

Real Madrid have looked strong in recent weeks, with a pair of 2-0 wins over Real Betis and Real Sociedad ensuring they made up for a disappointing 1-1 draw with Last Palmas at the end of August. 

Both of these wins to nil have seen Kylian Mbappe score, with two efforts against Betis followed by another goal against Sociedad. While two of these goals have been from the penalty spot, breaking his scoring duck has taken a lot of pressure off his shoulders. 

Real will likely see a lot of the ball and have to unpick a stubborn Stuttgart in midweek, but this will only play into Real's hands. The home side have the technicians to find that killer pass, and the scorer in Mbappe to finish the job.

VfB Stuttgart face one of the toughest jobs in football in midweek, with their opening Champions League match seeing them take on the reigning European champions on their own patch. 

While Stuttgart have impressed with two wins in their last two outings, the level of quality rises almost as high as it gets in their upcoming clash. 

While the slate between the pair is completely clean as the two are yet to meet in a competitive match, I believe this will count for little as the travelling side are sent home in defeat.