Aston Villa\u2019s pre-season preparations took a hit in Lisbon on Saturday as the reigning Europa League champions fell 2-1 to Porto, while newly promoted Hull City produced a commanding performance in Slovenia ahead of the 2026\/27 campaign.<\/p>\n
Unai Emery\u2019s side, who are adjusting to significant squad changes following Morgan Rogers’ departure to Chelsea in a record British transfer and the loan arrival of Alejandro Garnacho, found themselves trailing early in the Portuguese capital. William Gomes opened the scoring for Porto inside five minutes before 17-year-old Luka Lynch drew Villa level with a neat finish shortly after the 15-minute mark. However, Brazilian winger Pepe restored Porto\u2019s lead to hand the hosts victory.<\/p>\n
Villa lined up with Marco Bizot in goal alongside Matty Cash, Modou K\u00e9ba Cisse, Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen, Lamare Bogarde, Ross Barkley, Leon Bailey, Luka Lynch, George Hemmings, and Bradley Burrowes. Emery utilized his bench heavily in the second half, handing minutes to young prospects and fringe players as fitness levels remain the priority over early results.<\/p>\n
In contrast, Hull City enjoyed an ideal start to their warm-up schedule. Playing their first friendly of the summer in Slovenia, the Tigers recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over Turkish club Konyaspor. Enis Destan and Abu Kamara netted either side of a Konyaspor own goal to secure the win. Striker Oli McBurnie saw a late effort ruled out for an alleged foul, denying Hull a four-goal margin.<\/p>\n
Hull manager made full use of his squad depth, fielding an entirely different XI after the break. Jack Butland started in goal before giving way to Dillon Phillips, while summer additions and experienced figures like Paddy McNair, John Egan, and Matt Crooks all gained vital match sharpness. Warm-up matches are critical for newly promoted sides attempting to bridge the tactical and physical gap before the competitive kickoff.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, Everton fought out a 0-0 draw against Championship outfit Bolton Wanderers. Head coach David Moyes saw Thierno Barry\u2019s first-half goal disallowed for offside in a low-tempo encounter. Moyes introduced five changes at halftime\u2014bringing on Tom King, Michael Keane, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Vitalii Mykolenko, and Tyrique George\u2014but neither team managed to break the deadlock in a game that gradually faded.<\/p>\n