Stuttgart dominates Everton in pre-season friendly victory

Stuttgart dominates Everton in pre-season friendly victory

VfB Stuttgart controlled a pre-season friendly against Everton on Saturday, 8 August 2026, securing a 3-1 victory at the MHP Arena. The German side dominated the English team from start to finish, utilizing superior possession and play-building while Everton struggled to create opportunities.

Stuttgart opened the scoring through Badredine Bouanani, who finished into the far corner following a cross from Leonidas Stergiou. The German side continued to pile up attempts, though they initially struggled to find the finishing touch to extend their lead. Nikolas Nartey eventually doubled the advantage, scoring after a cut on his marker from the right side.

Everton appeared lethargic for much of the match, primarily defending and struggling to build attacks. However, the English side did find a way back into the game via a penalty. After the referee ruled that Fabian Bredlow brought down an Everton striker in the area, Barry converted the penalty, dislocating the goalkeeper in the process. The decision was met with many protests from Stuttgart players.

Stuttgart responded by continuing to attack down the wings and relying on aerial plays. They sealed the 3-1 result when Ramon Hendriks headed the ball into the goal following a corner kick.

The match featured several tactical shifts. At one point, the game was paused for rehydration, allowing coaches to make adjustments to marking and playmaking. Stuttgart also utilized a significant series of substitutions, bringing on Ramon Hendriks, Josha Vagnoman, Atakan Karazor, Ermedin Demirovic, Jeff Chabot, Deniz Undav, and Leonidas Stergiou. They were replaced by Maxi Mittelstädt, Chris Führich, Finn Jeltsch, Nikolas Nartey, Jovan Milosevic, Tiago Tomas, and Angelo Stiller.

For Stuttgart, the match served as a final major test before the start of the season. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß expressed a desire to see the team evolve following an intense training period in Grassau, which he described as an absolute success.

"We want to show that we have taken another step in the right direction, but we also know that we have just returned from a very intense training period. Everton will be a physical opponent. We want to put into practice on the field many of the things we have been working on recently."

Sebastian Hoeneß, Coach, via vavel.com

Everton manager David Moyes used the fixture to give players rhythm and test squad options before the Premier League begins. The match also highlighted a new addition to the Toffees' squad. Christian Nørgaard, who joined from Arsenal on a two-year contract valid until the end of June 2028, spoke about his move to the Liverpool club.

"There were many factors involved. I felt I needed a change and to have a more important role in football. When I spoke to David Moyes and other club members involved in the transfer, I heard about the whole project and became very interested."

Christian Nørgaard, Player, via vavel.com

The friendly held sentimental value for Thomas Hitzlsperger, who previously played for both clubs. Hitzlsperger noted that Everton is very popular in England and called the meeting between the two sides fantastic.

The starting lineups for the match were as follows:

VfB Stuttgart	Everton FC
Fabian Bredlow	Mark Travers
Angelo Stiller	Jake O'Brien
Maximilian Mittelstädt	Jarrad Branthwaite
Tiago Tomás	Vitalii Mykolenko
Chris Führich	Merlin Röhl
Jovan Milosevic	Tim Iroegbunam
Grischa Prömel	Harrison Armstrong
Dan-Axel Zagadou	Hayden Hackney
Nikolas Nartey	Tyler Dibling
Finn Jeltsch	Carlos Alcaraz
Luca Jovanović	Beto

Everton's preparations continue with a match against Newcastle scheduled for 12 August, followed by a game against Lille on 15 August. The Premier League season is set to begin on 21 August.