Bundesliga preparation: VfB Stuttgart celebrates season opener with 3-1 win over Everton

VfB Stuttgart kicked off their season with a 3-1 victory over English Premier League side Everton in a friendly match. The match, held in front of 43,000 spectators, served as Stuttgart's season opener and a final tune-up before their competitive fixtures begin.

Nikolas Nartey opened the scoring for Stuttgart in the 16th minute, followed by goals from defender Ramon Hendriks in the 65th minute and attacker Badredine Bouanani in stoppage time. Everton managed to pull one back via a penalty converted by Thierno Barry in the 72nd minute, after VfB goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow conceded the spot-kick.

Coach Sebastian Hoeneß used the match to prepare his team for their upcoming DFB-Pokal match against Hansa Rostock and the challenging start to the Bundesliga season against record champions FC Bayern Munich. The team recently returned from a training camp in Grassau, Bavaria.

There were also concerns regarding defender Dan-Axel Zagadou, who had to leave the field after returning briefly from treatment in the first half. Zagadou, whose career has been hampered by injuries, was seen holding his knee and hamstring, raising worries about his fitness ahead of the crucial part of the season. Stuttgart's next friendly is against FC Fulham in England.