E. Džeko has scored a goal for Manchester City! Assist by R. Sterling.
GOOOOOAAAL!! CITY NET AGAIN! Once more Sterling proves influential, dribbling down the left and racing to the byline before teeing up Dzeko to fire home in the centre! It takes some of the gloss of the result for the hosts!
88'
Manu García enters the game and replaces Rony Lopes.
Stuttgart are awarded a free kick in a great area after a foul from Lopes. The Portuguese was already struggling with a knock beforehand and is now off the pitch receiving treatment. Maxim goes directly for goal from the set-piece but sends it straight into the wall.
85'
S. Sama enters the game and replaces T. Baumgartl.
L. Rupp enters the game and replaces C. Gentner.
K. Stöger enters the game and replaces F. Kostić.
P. Heise enters the game and replaces E. Insúa.
O. Vlachodimos enters the game and replaces P. Tytoń.
Yet more substitutions from the host, with keeper Tyton making way for Vlachodimos among them. Baumgartl, Insua, Gentner and Kostic all exit too, with Sama, Heise, Rupp and Stoger coming on.
84'
K. Ịheanachọ has scored a goal for Manchester City! Assist by R. Sterling.
GOOOOOAAAAL!! IHEANACHO PULLS ONE BACK! City catch the opposition on the break with Silva getting on the ball wide on the left. He finds Sterling who fires in a low cross which takes Tyton out of the game and finds the Nigerian, who slams the ball into the net! Insua got a touch but couldn't stop it from finding the net!
83'
F. Kostić gets yellow.
GREAT SAVE FROM TYTON! City attack down the left through Sterling, and he exchanges passes with Silva. The ball is then moved inside towards Dzeko but his touch ends up running on to Zuculini at the back post. The Argentine looks to guide a low shot into the net but the Polish keeper gets a great block on it!
82'
Iheanacho is released down the right and checks inside before attempting to pick out Zuculini's late run to the back post. His delivery was too high and it wouldn't have counted anyway as the flag goes up for offside.
81'
Rony Lopes enters the game and replaces G. Evans.
80'
Hlousek comes off for Neidemeier for the closing 10 minutes, and play restarts with a City free kick. Kolarov tries to curl one into the top corner from in excess of 30 yards but he gets it all wrong and fires well high of the target.
79'
G. Niedermeier enters the game and replaces A. Hloušek.
A cross from the left trickles into the area but just doesn't fall to a blue shirt, with Baumgartl eventually removing the danger.
Minute
Description
77'
Those substitutions could make it difficult for Stuttgart to maintain their dominance. City have already seen more of the ball and will be keen to get a goal.
75'
D. Schwaab enters the game and replaces F. Klein.
J. Kliment enters the game and replaces D. Ginczek.
E. Džeko enters the game and replaces Jesús Navas.
C. Gruezo enters the game and replaces S. Dié.
Further substitutions from the hosts too, with Kliment, Gruezo and Schwaab on for Ginczek, Die and Klein.
74'
Iheanacho shows a great turn of pace to sprint into the box under pressure from Hlousek. His touch is slightly heavy and that enables Tyton to come off his line and claim it. The visitors make a change now, with Navas replaced by Dzeko.
73'
That was a chance for a fifth! Gentner is released in behind on the right-hand side of the box and he tries to cut the ball back for Werner in the middle. He places the ball just behind the substitute and City deal with it capably.
72'
The hosts continue to act as the protagonists of this match, with Die sliding the ball down the left once more for Kostic. The Serbian's delivery is disappointing this time, though, flying over the top of all the heads in the centre and going out for a throw in on the far side.
70'
T. Werner enters the game and replaces M. Harnik.
Another change for die Roten now, with Harnik making way for Werner. Stuttgart restart play with a corner that evades Hart but is cleared away at the back post.
68'
Sterling rolls a pass down the left in order to release Iheanacho but the Nigerian made his run too early and is flagged offside. He's been bright since his introduction and has fared better than Bony did ahead of the interval.
66'
A. Maxim enters the game and replaces D. Didavi.
A change for Stuttgart now with Didavi, who has been impressive this afternoon, replaced by Maxim.
65'
SO CLOSE! Sterling almost gets the Citizens on the scoresheet with a curling, right-footed effort from the left-hand side of the box after being fed by Silva. He guides his effort beyond Tyton but also past the far upright! That was extremely close, though!
63'
The pace of the game is much slower now when compared to the first half. Stuttgart continue to retain the majority of possession, with City only capable of stringing together a few attacks so far in this period.
61'
The official attendance of this friendly has been announced as 40,122 spectators - an impressive crowd in Stuttgart. They will be delighted with what they've witnessed so far too!
60'
WHAT A CHANCE! Sterling rolls a pass towards the byline for the late, bursting run of Silva into the area. The Spaniard manages to squeeze a cutback to Iheanacho inside the six-yard box but his attempt to backheel the ball into the net is blocked by Insua!
58'
Sanga attempts to hook the ball to safety for City after a cross from the right but Die is first to it. He is quickly closed down by Iheanacho but the Nigerian is slightly overzealous in his efforts to regain possession and concedes a foul.
56'
City have struggled to get a hold of the ball in this second period, with much of the attacking coming from Stuttgart. The changes are yet to have a positive effect on the visitors.
54'
A brilliant run from Kostic almost ends with him creating space for a shot inside the box, but, despite being turned inside and out, Denayer keeps track of the position of the ball and halts his progress with a decent tackle. The home fans still enjoyed that, though.
52'
Kostic receives the ball in space on the left and curls a teasing cross into the centre of the box. Ginczek rushes towards it and gets a delicate flick on it with his trailing leg, diverting the ball towards the far corner. It lacks the pace to get the better of Hart, who collects.
50'
Ginczek is down in the Man City half and requires treatment from the medical staff. It appeared to be a challenge from Denayer that did the damage, but he's back on his feet and ready to hobble off the pitch.
49'
Stuttgart appear ready to maintain the intensity they showed in the first half. Didavi holds up the ball well near the halfway line and draws a foul from Silva.
47'
Some substitutions to tell you about now, with Denayer, Zuculini and Iheanacho all on for Kompany, Nasri and Bony.
46'
J. Denayer enters the game and replaces S. Nasri.
K. Ịheanachọ enters the game and replaces W. Bony.
B. Zuculini enters the game and replaces V. Kompany.
The second half has begun!
45' +1
There is the half-time whistle!
45'
Silva picks out Bony with a clever pass which the Ivorian controls exquisitely. As he attempts to barge his way into the box Hlousek comes across to clear the ball. He seems to be struggling with a knock picked up in the last few moments!
43'
Kolarov loses possession right on the edge of his own box. Die attempts to feed Ginczek with a first-time pass but the striker cannot bring it under control. He's on a hat-trick now and would surely love to cap his pre-season with a trio today.
42'
Sterling is involved in the action once again after a rather lengthy spell on the outside. He cuts in from the left onto his right boot but slices a shot far wide of the opposite corner!
41'
City have paid the price for playing with just one holding midfielder today. Evans is just 20-years-old and has not received much support from his more experienced team-mates. It has been a really shoddy display from the Premier League outfit so far.
39'
Nasri tries his luck from distance, desperate to pull the Citizens back into this game. His strike has plenty of venom but not enough to get the better of Tyton, who launches himself across the goal and claims the ball with both hands!
37'
D. Ginczek has scored a goal for Stuttgart! Assist by D. Didavi.
GOOOOOAAAAL!! GINCZEK FINDS THE NET AGAIN! The striker shows really intelligent movement to peel off Kompany and into the space between the Belgian and Sagna. Didavi picks him out and he fires a clinical finish into the back of the net! Great football from the hosts!
36'
D. Ginczek has scored a goal for Stuttgart! Assist by M. Harnik.
GOOOOOAAAAL!! A THIRD FOR STUTTGART! There is a hint of offside as Harnik is set free down the right, catching the Citizens short at the back. His cross finds Ginczek in acres of space inside the box and he supplies a cool finish to make it 3-0!
35'
OVER THE TOP! Sagna drives into the box before cutting the ball back to tee up Nasri for a shot. The Frenchman gets plenty of power behind his strike but fails to keep it down, sending the ball high into the stands.
34'
A great chance goes begging for City! Nasri latches onto a pass in behind the defence and rounds Tyton. He ends up too wide for a shot into the open goal so attempts to pick out Navas on the far side of the box. His cross is too high for the Spaniard, though, and by the time he gets it under control the chance is gone!
33'
Stuttgart remain in control of this match, though now City are sitting a little deeper. Die attempts a chip over the top for Ginczek in order to fashion another chance but he ends up hitting his pass straight into the arms of Hart.
31'
D. Didavi has scored a goal for Stuttgart! Assist by F. Klein.
GOOOOOOAAAL!! DIDAVI MAKES IT TWO! Another incisive break from Stuttgart proves fruitful!! The attacking midfielder combines brilliantly with Klein, exchanging a series of passes before darting into space. The right-back slides a pass to him inside the box and he fires a low shot through the legs of Hart to double the Bundesliga side's advantage!
29'
Insua pounces on a loose touch from Bony and surges up through the middle before moving offloading to Kostic. He continues to run and receives the ball back from the Serbian. The Argentine tries to chop inside of Kompany but the Belgian stays on his feet and blocks him off to nullify the attack.
27'
Sterling bursts beyond Klein near the halfway line and the Austrian decides to stretch out an arm and pull him back in order to stop him advancing on the defence. The referee awards the Citizens a free kick but, yet again, they rush it and lose control of possession quickly.
25'
Stuttgart continue to put the pressure on and another cross from Kostic forces Kolarov to clear the ball behind. The visitors have had a few bright moments but seem to be lacking cohesion currently.
23'
This attacking line-up from City is frequently being caught short on the counterattack. With Evans the only deep-lying midfielder and both Sagna and Kolarov looking to get forward whenever possible, Pellegrini's men look rather vulnerable.
21'
OFF THE LINE! The Bundesliga side almost double their lead as Mangala fails to clear the ball and Harnik stabs it across the face of goal. A brilliant dummy from Ginczek lets it run to Gentner at the back post, and he dinks an effort over Hart as he dives at his feet. The effort looks to be heading in but Kolarov gets across and manages to hook it away from danger!
19'
Sagna presses forward to offer support to Navas and, after knocking the ball towards the byline, he is blocked off by Insua. Nasri curls the set-piece into the middle but it is too high for Bony and Stuttgart get it clear once again.
17'
There's a good tempo to this match despite it only being a friendly. Both sides are quick to break in possession and it has made for an entertaining fixture so far. Stuttgart deserve that goal, but I sense that won't be the last of the scoring this afternoon!
15'
F. Kostić has scored a goal for Stuttgart! Assist by D. Ginczek.
GOOOOOAAAAL!! STUTTGART LEAD! A long ball through the centre is latched onto by Kostic who gets between Kompany and Sagna. He holds off the Frenchman before slotting his shot into the opposite corner, beyond the onrushing Hart!
14'
The Citizens are awarded a free kick wide on the left and Kolarov delivers it towards the near post. Sagna attacks it, stooping low to get his head on it, sending his effort wide of the upright!
12'
Stuttgart are trying to build a bit more patiently now, hoping to try and retain possession for extended periods. They lose the ball in a midfield area, though, and Silva launches City on the break by releasing Sterling on the left. He lays a pass on for the overlapping Kolarov but his cross is dealt with.
10'
STERLING! Again the former Liverpool man proves the source of danger, receiving the ball in space on the left once more. This time he opts to go for goal from 20 yards rather than dribbling into the box. Tyton is equal to his effort and keeps it out of the bottom corner!
9'
It has been a decent start for Stuttgart here. However, they are almost caught out by some route one football as a kick from Hart is flicked on by Bony. Sterling races in behind and latches onto it but is eventually crowded out by three white shirts.
7'
GOOD CHANCE! Klein gets in down the right as Didavi threads a pass between Kolarov and Sterling. He drives a low cross to the near post which Harnik attacks, though he is beaten to the ball by Mangala who puts it out of play for a corner.
6'
Kolarov tries to find Silva with a low pass down the left but it is cut out. The Serbian surges forward and pounces on the loose ball before drawing a foul from Ginczek. A free kick is awarded to the visitors but they are unable to keep hold of possession for long.
4'
Again Hart is put under pressure, this time due a pass from Mangala, and his attempted clearance flies stright to Die. The midfielder slides a pass to the left for Kostic but the Serbian is unable to stop it from heading towards the corner flag. He keeps it in play but is unable to produce a cross with Sagna tight to him.
3'
Sterling comes wide to the left and picks up possession in a dangerous area. He tries to twist away from Klein and get a cross in but the Austrian blocks it to send the ball out for a corner. The set-piece comes in quickly after but the defence clear it at the first time of asking.
1'
We are underway!
Stuttgart are almost gifted a goal within 10 seconds as Ginczek chases a sloppy pass back to Hart from Kompany. The keeper has to race off his line in order to slide it clear before the striker can prod it into the back of the net!
Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage as Stuttgart and Manchester City both draw a close to their respective pre-season preparations with a friendly at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. The German side will be looking to improve upon a 14th placed finish in the Bundesliga, while the Citizens have their eyes on capturing the Premier League trophy once again when the new season gets underway. My name is Tom Webber, and I will be your guide through all the action.
The Citizens came bottom of the Australian section of the International Champions Cup, with Real Madrid taking the trophy down under. Manuel Pellegrini’s men went down 4-1 to los Blancos, but there were still some positives for them to take from the competition. The most salient was perhaps the impact of Raheem Sterling, who scored three goals in his 176 minutes of their southern hemisphere tour.
City also beat Vietnam 8-1 following the conclusion of that tournament, but Stuttgart’s preparations have included a victory by an even greater margin. Following a 4-1 defeat to Young Boys last month they were 13-0 winners over Ilshofen, a result which they followed up with victories over Aalen and Winterhur. Today is their final fixture before a DFB-Pokal clash with Holstein Kiel next weekend.
Man City XI: Hart, Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov, Evans, Nasri, Silva, Navas, Bony, Sterling.
Przemyslaw Tyton starts in goal for die Roten after former No.1 Sven Ulrech departed for Bayern Munich. Serey Die will provide the steel alongside captain Christian Gentner in midfield while Daniel Ginczek leads the line. The visitors welcome Wilfried Bony back into their side after the Ivorian stayed home during their southern hemisphere tour due to illness, and 20-year-old George Evans will provide the anchor in the centre.
There are just under 10 minutes remaining until kick off in Germany! With pre-season now coming to a close, fans of both clubs will be expecting performances of a high level this afternoon. Hopefully we will be in for an entertaining fixture.
The players are welcomed onto the Mercedes-Benz Arena pitch by a decent crowd, with the start of this match now just a few moments away!
HALF TIME - Stuttgart 4-0 Man City: The German side take a resounding lead in at the break following an impressive first half at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Kostic opened the scoring after 15 minutes before Didavi added a second just after the half-hour mark. Two goals in two minutes from Ginczek then rounded off the scoring in the opening period, with the Citizens paying a heavy price for some rather dire defending.
Pellegrini will be desperate to see an improvement after the break while the home fans will want more of the same. Stay tuned for the second half!
The teams are heading back out for the final 45 minutes now, so we will be back underway imminently.
FULL TIME - Stuttgart 4-2 Man City: It's a great end to die Roten's pre-season preparations as they down their Premier League opponents at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. They dominated much of the game and took a four-goal lead into the interval thanks to strikes from Kostic, Didavi and two from Ginczek. The Citizens took a while to raise their game after the break and scored to consolation goals through Iheanacho and Dzeko.
Next up for Stuttgart is their DFB-Pokal clash with Holstein Kiel a week today, while Man City will take on West Bromwich Albion on Monday, August 10, in their Premier League opener.
That is all we have time for this afternoon, though. Thanks for joining me, Tom Webber, and have a great evening.
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