Champions League Matchday 3: Juventus on Fire, Real Madrid Feeling the Heat

The UEFA Champions League group stage continues into its third round, with big clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid facing significant challenges. Juventus has been one of the most exciting teams in the tournament, scoring three goals in each of their first two matches, and they’ll look to continue that streak against Stuttgart. Real Madrid, on the other hand, is under pressure to perform after a shaky start to their La Liga campaign, especially with Barcelona in red-hot form. As the stakes rise, we break down how these two European giants are shaping up ahead of their crucial fixtures.

Juventus vs. Stuttgart: Vlahović Leading the Charge

Juventus, after two rounds of Champions League action, stands among the seven teams to have secured back-to-back victories. While goal difference currently places them seventh in the standings, their performance has been nothing short of spectacular compared to their domestic form in Serie A. In their European campaign, Juventus has embraced a more attacking style, contrasting with their often conservative approach in Italy’s top league.

Last time out, Juventus showed incredible resilience in a dramatic win over RB Leipzig. Despite injuries to two key players in the first 15 minutes and playing the final 30 minutes with 10 men, Juventus managed to pull off a comeback victory. This triumph showcased the team’s fighting spirit and determination, attributes that fans have not always associated with the "Old Lady" in recent seasons.

Much of Juventus' success in the Champions League so far can be attributed to the sensational form of Dusan Vlahović. The Serbian striker has been unstoppable, scoring in both matches and proving decisive in the Leipzig clash, where he twice equalized for his team. His second goal, which came just three minutes after Juventus had fallen behind again, was a masterclass in individual brilliance—an expertly curled shot into the far corner after shaking off defenders. Vlahović’s ability to change the course of a match on his own is reminiscent of Juventus' former talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, and he could soon become the first Juventus player since Ronaldo to contribute a goal or assist in four consecutive Champions League matches.

Juventus’ willingness to allow players to make individual plays paid off when another standout, Kaio Jorge, also found the back of the net after a dazzling solo run. Traditionally, Juventus has relied heavily on teamwork and tactical discipline to secure results, but the forced change due to the red card allowed their players to showcase individual skills and make the difference.

Stuttgart, by contrast, is coming into this game off the back of disappointing results. The German side was held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at home by Czech club Sparta Prague in their last Champions League outing. Despite taking an early lead just seven minutes in, Stuttgart couldn’t hold back the tide of Sparta’s relentless attacks. New Germany international Deniz Undav squandered two golden chances to put the game away, and Sparta capitalized on a direct free-kick to level the score. The draw left Stuttgart frustrated, as they failed to control the match after their strong start.

Their woes didn’t end there, as Stuttgart returned to domestic action only to suffer another defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich. English forward Harry Kane netted twice in the second half, extending Stuttgart’s winless streak to four matches in all competitions. With defensive issues plaguing their recent performances, it’s hard to see how Stuttgart will cope with a Juventus side that is brimming with confidence and attacking flair.

Juventus, who recently claimed a well-earned victory over Lazio in Serie A, sits just three points off the top spot in Italy and will be looking to maintain their momentum. With Stuttgart’s defensive frailties on display, Juventus should have no trouble exploiting their weaknesses, especially with Vlahović in such sublime form. A Juventus victory seems likely, with their quality in front of goal potentially overwhelming a shaky Stuttgart backline.

Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund: The First Big Test for Los Blancos

Last season’s Champions League finalists, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, are set for a rematch in the group stage this time around. In the final just a few months ago, Real Madrid demonstrated their superiority over Dortmund with a commanding 2-0 victory, securing yet another European title. Dani Carvajal opened the scoring with a fantastic strike, while Vinícius Júnior added the second to seal the win.

Carvajal’s form has carried over into this season, as the Spanish fullback has continued to deliver in key moments. He scored a nearly identical goal in Spain’s Euro qualifier against Croatia, demonstrating his offensive prowess. Vinícius, however, has had a less consistent start to the new season. His performances with Brazil in the Copa America were underwhelming, as his national team was knocked out early. Nevertheless, his stellar displays at the club level have made him a strong candidate for the Ballon d’Or, despite Brazil’s struggles.

Real Madrid’s last outing in the Champions League, a tough away fixture against Lille, ended in disappointment. Kylian Mbappé, who had been carrying a slight injury, was only fit enough to play the final 30 minutes. Unfortunately, his introduction did little to change the game’s outcome, and Real Madrid fell to their first defeat of the season. The loss was particularly troubling not just for the scoreline but for the way Lille dominated the match, outplaying Madrid for large portions of the game. Ancelotti’s men failed to create the kind of chances that fans have come to expect, and the absence of a true impact substitute like Joselu, who had filled the role of a traditional No. 9 earlier in the season, was sorely felt.

Joselu’s physical presence and ability to hold up play as a classic target man have been crucial for Real Madrid this season. While the additions of Mbappé and rising star Endrick have added a new dimension to Madrid’s attack, their reliance on Joselu’s aerial threat and hold-up play in tough games has become increasingly clear. Mbappé and Endrick bring flair and speed, but in games where Madrid needs a plan B, they seem to lack a reliable alternative without Joselu in the lineup.

Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, has enjoyed a favorable start to their Champions League campaign. Having avoided the toughest teams in their group, Dortmund currently tops the standings after two comfortable victories. In their last match, they demolished Scottish side Celtic 7-0 in what seemed like an attempt to one-up their Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. Dortmund’s attack was relentless, showcasing their depth and quality, and they have capitalized on their relatively easy draw in the group stage.

While Dortmund has enjoyed success in the early rounds, Real Madrid will be a much tougher test for them. The Spanish giants are already under pressure in La Liga, where they currently sit second behind an in-form Barcelona. This domestic pressure is bound to affect Madrid’s Champions League performances, as they know they cannot afford to slip up in either competition. With Barcelona looking unstoppable, Madrid’s margin for error in La Liga is razor-thin, and this has put extra weight on their European fixtures as well.

Dortmund, for their part, has been inconsistent this season. While their attacking potential is undeniable, their performances in the Bundesliga have been erratic. They’ve had moments of brilliance, but they’ve also shown vulnerability against weaker opposition, raising doubts about their ability to sustain their form. Real Madrid, with all their experience and quality, will be a step up in competition, and Dortmund will need to be at their absolute best to stand a chance of avenging last season’s defeat.

For Real Madrid, this match offers an opportunity to assert their dominance once again. With Carvajal in outstanding form and Vinícius pushing for individual accolades, Madrid should be able to control the game. Dortmund, on the other hand, will be hoping to exploit Madrid’s defensive gaps and maintain their spot at the top of the group. However, given their inconsistency, it’s difficult to see them replicating their earlier attacking brilliance against a team of Real Madrid’s caliber.

Madrid’s tactical versatility and experience in high-pressure situations should give them the edge. Ancelotti’s side has been in similar positions before, and with Joselu likely to play a key role, they will look to exploit Dortmund’s weaknesses. Expect Real Madrid to push for a two-goal margin, while Dortmund may struggle to keep up the tempo and precision they showed against weaker teams in the group.

The stakes are high as both Juventus and Real Madrid approach Matchday 3, and while one team looks set to cruise to victory, the other faces a true test of their European ambitions.