Dani Carvajal spoke to the media in the press room at Real Madrid City regarding Real Madrid's opening game in this year's Champions League (Tuesday, 9pm CEST): "The first games in every competition are important. We're looking forward to this competition with the new format and playing at home because we know how much it means to the club. We want to go all out from the first minute and not give our opponents a chance".

“Stuttgart are a young, brave team, who like to have possession of the ball.  They try to play a low block and then change the pace and we must try not to fall into their trap. We have to be patient, be vigilant, keep the ball away from them and dominate them. That will be key".

Stuttgart
"Last season we played practically the whole of Germany. It's a different side tomorrow and one that I haven't played against in a Real Madrid jersey. Hopefully our stadium, our fans and being at home means we have to step up and produce a great performance".

Demand
"Jude's return is fantastic news. We know what he is capable of and what he brings to us with and without the ball; it's great that he's in the squad. We're unbeaten over a lot of games, but we're asking a lot more of ourselves in terms of performance and results. That's how demanding it is at Real Madrid and tomorrow provides us with another opportunity to continue to improve".

Room for improvement
"It's good news that the team hasn't reached its peak and that we have room for improvement both physically and in our performances. The injuries are taking their toll on us when it comes to getting some rest and the players who are coming into the starting line-up are placing the highest demands on us. We have another chance tomorrow, with our fans and in the competition we enjoy so much. Hopefully we'll put in a good performance and the fans will go home happy".

Winning seven Champions League titles
"It would be an unbeatable achievement. I still have a few years left to achieve that goal and so why not dream about it".

Ballon d'Or nomination
"Having finished last season, in terms of data and trophies, it was my best season. That's why I've been nominated for the Ballon d'Or. I dream of winning it, but just to be there is a huge success".

Insults against Vini Jr.
"We see and hear the insults towards Vinicius. When you get punched, you bleed. It's natural that he responds with gestures in these situations. They don't leave him alone".

"We're all absolutely clear on the Vinicius issue, just like any other racist insult in our league, and in football as a whole. I've been categorical and I've made it clear that such behaviour should be eliminated from the playing field. If tougher protocols have to be drawn up, they'll be welcome".

Mbappé's Champions League debut for Madrid
"Mbappé has experience of playing in Europe and I don't think it will be a problem for him to play his first Champions League game for Madrid. He'll see tomorrow what it's like to play in the Champions League at the Bernabéu. It'll be a beautiful experience that he'll remember forever".

Versatility in defence
"Militão has a knock and was not comfortable. I played as a centre-back last year against Atlético and against Girona. I'm available wherever I have to play because I have no complexes or problems. When the coach requires it, I'll be there".

Continuity at Real Madrid
"My intention is to stay here as long as possible, but always being realistic. When I feel that I'm not up to the level to play in the first team, I'll step aside. That's the criteria on which I evaluate myself whenever the club wants to use my services".

"The club calls the shots and the president is the one who has to plan the squads. The club's terms when a player is of a certain age are to renew him year by year. I don't have any problems with that, as long as my performance, my desire and my level are enough to continue winning trophies with Real Madrid".