Tough Preseason Defeat for The Potters | Stoke City 0-1 AZ Alkmaar

In this sixth preseason match, Stoke City faced a very challenging opponent, one of the most recognized teams in the Netherlands and Europe. The game was highly contested, with intense play and difficult conditions for the team.

Match Summary for Stoke City

Steve Schumacher fielded an ideal starting XI, testing Eric Bocat as a left midfielder, which was a notable change in the lineup. Unfortunately, Sam Gallagher’s debut was marred by muscle issues, leading to his substitution by Neil Ennis in the 30th minute, resulting in only a 30-minute debut.

READ MORE: Stoke City's Schedule for August

In the first 45 minutes, neither team managed to score. The teams went into halftime at 0-0, with Stoke City receiving several yellow cards, including one for goalkeeper Viktor Johansson in the 13th minute.

The second half proved disastrous for Stoke City. AZ Alkmaar scored the opening goal early in the second half, with Troy Parrott finding the net for a 1-0 lead.

In the 57th minute, the match saw further chaos as two players were sent off in a heated exchange. Jordan Thompson received a red card for Stoke City, and Jordy Clasie was sent off for AZ Alkmaar, leaving both teams with ten men. This left Stoke City’s attack weakened without an important offensive midfielder like Thompson.

AZ Alkmaar lost a defensive midfielder, but the match continued with no further substitutions from either team. The game ended 1-0 in favor of AZ Alkmaar.

This was Stoke City's second defeat of the preseason. They now need to focus on their EFL Championship debut, where Steve Schumacher is expected to field his final starting XI for the season. Stoke City will face Coventry City on August 10, marking the official start of the season for The Potters.