When looking at the result between Real Madrid and Stuttgart on Tuesday, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a routine evening for the defending Champions League title holders.
Madrid toiled in the first half and were actually inferior to Stuttgart in many ways, but in true vintage style they eventually took the lead anyway as Rodrygo squared a pass into the box for Kylian Mbappe to slot into the empty net.
The German side fought back and made it 1-1 through a Denis Undav header, but the vital second goal for Los Blancos came via an Antonio Rudiger header.
Endrick came off the bench to put the icing on the cake with a long-range strike that the goalkeeper should have saved.
Player of the Match
The scoreline flattered Madrid as they had to heavily rely on Thibaut Courtois to keep them in the game with a string of excellent saves at crucial times.
He made six in total, and the pick of the bunch came in the first half as he tipped an Enzo Millot half-volley just over the bar.
The Belgian was even busier in the second half, but continually took the pressure off his team-mates and made eight ball recoveries in total.
Worst Player
The game was a tale of two goalkeepers on the night as the worst player was Alexander Nubel in between the sticks for Stuttgart.
He did make five saves, only one fewer than Courtois, but failed in the big moments like Endrick's late goal to make it three.
It was a strike from 30 yards that should easily have been dealt with.
