Leixões Edges Vizela in Thrilling Pre-Season Clash

Leixões 3–2 Vizela
July 29, 2026 – Estádio do Mar, Matosinhos

Leixões kicked off their pre-season preparations in style with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Liga Portugal side Vizela in an International Club Friendly on Thursday evening. The match, played in front of a lively crowd at the Estádio do Mar, provided plenty of goalmouth action as both teams tested their fitness and tactical sharpness ahead of the new campaign.

Match Overview

The home side took control early, pressing high and creating several chances in the opening quarter-hour. Leixões opened the scoring in the 18th minute when a well-worked corner routine saw central defender João Pedro power a header past the Vizela goalkeeper. Vizela responded quickly, equalising just ten minutes later through a composed finish from André Silva, who latched onto a through ball and slotted home.

Key Moments

• 18’ – Leixões’ João Pedro heads in from a corner (1–0).
• 28’ – Vizela’s André Silva finishes a swift counter-attack (1–1).
• 42’ – Leixões restore the lead via a close-range strike from winger Miguel Castro (2–1).
• 56’ – Vizela substitute Rui Costa nods home from a free-kick to level again (2–2).
• 74’ – Leixões’ youngster Diogo Fernandes fires a stunning shot from outside the box to make it 3–2.

Tactical Story

Leixões manager João Henriques opted for an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, looking to exploit the flanks. Vizela, under coach Álvaro Pacheco, matched up with a 4-2-3-1 and relied on quick transitions. The match was evenly contested in midfield, but Leixões’ willingness to shoot from distance paid off with the decisive goal.

Standout Players

• Diogo Fernandes (Leixões) – The 20-year-old midfielder’s powerful long-range strike was the highlight of the night.
• André Silva (Vizela) – His intelligent movement and clinical finishing kept Vizela in the game.

Both sides will take positives from the run-out, with the result secondary to fitness and chemistry building ahead of their respective league campaigns.