VfB Stuttgart were forced to settle for a draw after Paris FC mounted a late comeback to earn a 2-2 result in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.
The Bundesliga side appeared to be on course for another summer victory after taking a two-goal advantage through Lazar Jovanović and Dan-Axel Zagadou. However, Paris FC responded in the closing stages, with Luca Koleosho scoring twice to rescue a draw for the French club.
The result marked Stuttgart’s first pre-season match this summer in which they failed to secure a win.
Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß selected a strong starting lineup that featured several experienced players. Maximilian Mittelstädt, Chris Führich and captain Dan-Axel Zagadou all started the match as Stuttgart looked to continue their positive preparations for the upcoming campaign.
One notable absentee was summer signing Grischa Prömel, who missed the game after suffering a calf injury during training.
Stuttgart started brightly and controlled much of the early play. Their pressure paid off in the 16th minute when they opened the scoring through Jovanović.
Chris Führich played a key role in the move. The winger drove into the penalty area before delivering a precise pass across goal. Jovanović reacted quickly and finished from close range to put Stuttgart ahead.
The goal rewarded Stuttgart for their strong opening performance and gave them a deserved lead heading into halftime.
Paris FC made a change at the break as Badredine Bouanani was introduced for Jovanović. Despite the adjustment, Stuttgart continued to look dangerous after the restart.
The German side doubled their advantage in the 54th minute. Once again, Führich was heavily involved in the attack.
The midfielder delivered an accurate cross from the left side of the field, and Zagadou rose above the defenders to power a header past goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.
The goal gave Stuttgart a comfortable 2-0 lead and appeared to put them firmly in control of the match.
With the team holding a strong advantage, Hoeneß made several changes just after the hour mark. Nine substitutions were introduced as the coach rotated his squad and provided valuable playing time for additional players.
Among those entering the match were Ramon Hendriks, Joshua Vagnoman and Laurin Ulrich.
The substitutions changed the rhythm of the contest and allowed Paris FC to gain more possession and attacking opportunities.
The French side found a route back into the match in the 70th minute. Koleosho produced the breakthrough when he scored to reduce the deficit and give Paris FC renewed hope.
The goal increased the intensity of the contest as Paris FC pushed forward in search of an equalizer while Stuttgart attempted to protect their lead.
An extended period of additional time followed the regulation 90 minutes, creating further opportunities for both teams.
Paris FC made the most of the extra time. In the 105th minute, Koleosho struck again to complete the comeback.
His second goal of the afternoon secured a dramatic equalizer and ensured the match finished level at 2-2.
While Stuttgart will be disappointed to have surrendered a two-goal advantage, the match provided valuable preparation as the club continues its build-up to the new season.
Hoeneß used the friendly to assess squad depth, test combinations and provide minutes for a large group of players.
The performance also featured several positive attacking moments, particularly from Führich, who assisted both Stuttgart goals and played a major role in the team’s offensive play.
Paris FC will take confidence from their determination and ability to fight back after falling two goals behind.
For Stuttgart, attention now turns to their next pre-season fixture. The Bundesliga club is scheduled to face Premier League side Everton next weekend in another important test before competitive action begins.
The friendly against Everton will offer Hoeneß another opportunity to fine-tune his squad as Stuttgart continues preparations for the new campaign.
Although the winning streak ended, Stuttgart showed encouraging signs throughout much of the match and will look to build on those positives in the weeks ahead.
