A new era in the Champions League has begun, and reigning champions Real Madrid kicked off their campaign with a solid victory against Stuttgart.

Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, and Endrick were the goal scorers, while Thibaut Courtois played a crucial role with key saves to keep Stuttgart at bay. Rodrygo was instrumental, assisting Mbappé for the opening goal and showcasing exceptional form.

The Brazilian, who has been the subject of much discussion this season regarding his absence from the so-called BMV, shared three photos on Instagram. 

One of the images featured an embrace with teammates Jude Bellingham, Mbappé, and Vinícius. Rodrygo’s caption read: "Champions League at the Bernabéu, always feels like the first time... Great night for our team!"

"Only the fools..."

Jude Bellingham responded to Rodrygo’s post with a striking comment: "Only the fools forget the R," highlighting Rodrygo’s significant contribution. Vinícius also joined the conversation, simply commenting: "What a game."

Bellingham’s remark emphasized Rodrygo’s importance in the current Real Madrid setup, showcasing the strong camaraderie among the forward line.

In an interview with Real Madrid TV, Rodrygo spoke about the growing friendship and synergy among the four players, noting: "We are doing very well, getting better every day in training and in our daily interactions... Our bond is showing on the pitch."