"Should start ahead of Mbappe", "He's so special" - Fans believe Real Madrid man should start ahead of France star after 3-1 Stuttgart win
Real Madrid fans believe Endrick should start over Kylian Mbappe after he scored in their 3-1 win against VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League. The two sides faced each other at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, September 17.
Stuttgart made a bright start to the game and were unlucky not to break the deadlock, with Deniz Undav hitting the crossbar in the 28th minute. However, Real Madrid responded 20 seconds after the break, with Kylian Mbappe tapping home to make it 1-0.
An unmarked Undav headed the ball into the back of the net from a corner to level the scores in the 68th minute. Fortunately for Los Blancos, Antonio Rudiger's header (83') and Endrick's excellent finish from a counter-attack (90+5') sealed a 3-1 win for the hosts.
Fans were pleased with Endrick's performance, despite the 18-year-old coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute for Jude Bellingham. He created one chance and scored from his only shot on target, showing his impact. Moreover, the summer signing has now scored two goals in five appearances, despite spending just 20 minutes on the pitch.
One Real Madrid fan wants to see Endrick starting over Mbappe as they posted:
"Walahi, Endrick should start ahead of Mbappe."
Another fan tweeted:
"I think we need to start a conversation about Mbappe, Endrick totally needs to start in his place."
Check out other fans' opinions below:
"Start Bobby Charlton every week," one fan commented
"I've seen enough start Endrick over #9," another added
"Honestly they need to start endrick at least for 1 game and let Mbappé sit on the bench let’s see," one fan tweeted
"Endrick is going to send back Mbappe to Ligue 1," another boldly typed
"This Boy Should Start Ahead Of Mbappe. U will see A Hatrick before 3 games. I know U will Argue But Silently Agree," one fan posted
"He’s so special," another fan chimed in
"Hurt us in the first 25 minutes" - Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois gives his verdict after Stuttgart win
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted Stuttgart played a good offensive game after his side held their resolve to secure a 3-1 win in their UCL opener. He also credited Los Blancos for improving later on in the game to win the clash.
Courtois said (via @theMadridZone):
"They pressed very well, but we were able to get through on occasions. We have to work more. Winning is important for the new format."
“Stuttgart are a very good offensive team and hurt us in the first 25 minutes, but after that we improved. We scored, and then they equalised, but we reacted well and won in the end.”
Stuttgart had an impressive showing throughout the game. The Bundesliga outfit landed 17 shots in total with seven being on target (xG of 1.82). In contrast, Real Madrid bounced back after a tough first half, mustering 20 shots in total with eight being on target (xG of 2.61).
Courtois had a phenomenal game to keep his side in the game. The Belgian made six saves and eight recoveries and was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his performance.