Balingen vs VfB Stuttgart

The first-half blitz effectively decided the contest inside 45 minutes. Stuttgart's starting XI, featuring summer signing Grischa Prömel on debut and Dan-Axel Zagadou as captain, controlled possession and territory from the first whistle. Balingen, an Oberliga side, never threatened to mount a response, and the 4-0 half-time cushion allowed Hoeneß to rotate his entire squad for the second half — a valuable exercise in building match fitness across the group.

• Jovan Milošević — Scored twice inside the opening 27 minutes, including a spectacular bicycle kick for his second. The Serbian striker led the line effectively and was the standout player of the first half.
• Chris Führich — Provided the assist for the opening goal and scored the third himself. The winger, entering his sixth season at Stuttgart, was a constant threat down the left flank.
• Lazar Jovanović — The 19-year-old Serbian scored a second-half brace (59', 79'), demonstrating sharp finishing and intelligent movement off the ball. A strong audition for first-team minutes in the season ahead.
• Grischa Prömel — Made his Stuttgart debut after joining from Hoffenheim and had an early chance from a Maximilian Mittelstädt cross. Looked composed in midfield during his 45-minute run-out.

Player of the Match: Jovan Milošević — two goals in the first half, including a stunning bicycle kick, set the tone for the afternoon.

Stuttgart scored seven goals from approximately 15 shots on target, reflecting a clinical edge that will please Hoeneß at this early stage of pre-season. Balingen managed no meaningful attacking threat; the fifth-tier side's only notable entries on the scoresheet were two yellow cards (F. Schmidt, 36'; unnamed player, 78'). Stuttgart's single yellow card arrived in stoppage time for Josha Vagnoman. The 11 substitutions at half-time underline the primary objective: building fitness and giving minutes to as many players as possible, rather than chasing a result that was already secure.

This was the first of six pre-season friendlies for Stuttgart before the competitive season begins. The Bundesliga side face FSV Hollenbach next, followed by fixtures against Premier League opposition in Fulham and Everton. Stuttgart's DFB-Pokal first-round tie is scheduled for 21 August away to Hansa Rostock. For Balingen, the friendly served as a valuable workout against elite-level opposition despite the one-sided scoreline.

A routine workout for Stuttgart, executed with the professionalism expected of a Bundesliga side against fifth-tier opponents. The scoreline was emphatic, but the true value was in the minutes spread across the squad — particularly for debutants Prömel and the young second-half XI. Pre-season judgments should be measured, but Hoeneß will be encouraged by the sharpness and finishing on display.