FC Famalicao kicked off their 2026 pre-season preparations in emphatic style, dismantling their own U23 side 5-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the club's training ground. The senior squad, managed by Armando Evangelista, fielded a mixed lineup of first-team regulars and fringe players, using the match to build match sharpness ahead of the new Primeira Liga campaign.

Match Overview

Played on Saturday, 11 July 2026, the fixture served as an internal test for both sets of players. The senior team dominated possession from the first whistle, pressing high and forcing the younger Famalicao side into defensive errors. The five-goal margin reflected the gulf in experience and physicality between the two groups, but the U23s showed promising bursts of attacking intent on the counter.

First Half Dominance

The senior side needed just 12 minutes to break the deadlock. A flowing move down the right flank ended with a low cross that was turned home by Afonso Rodrigues, one of the club’s promising attackers looking to earn more minutes in the upcoming season. Rodrigues doubled his tally before the half-hour mark, slotting home after a defensive mix-up in the U23 box.

By the 35th minute, the scoreline read 3-0. Midfielder Tomás Ribeiro curled a stunning effort from 20 yards into the top corner, leaving U23 goalkeeper Guilherme Alves with no chance. The senior team went into the break fully in control, having created six clear-cut chances while limiting the young side to just one speculative long-range shot.

Second Half Management

Evangelista used the second period to rotate heavily, bringing on several academy graduates and returning loanees. The changes did not affect the flow of the game. Substitute João Pedro Santos made an instant impact, scoring a close-range header from a corner in the 58th minute. The final goal arrived in the 74th minute courtesy of Ricardo Lopes, who powered home from the edge of the area after a neat one-two.

The U23s, coached by Nuno Campos, refused to buckle and created two late opportunities. Winger Diogo Marques forced a fine save from senior backup goalkeeper Ivan Zlobin, and substitute Martim Neto hit the crossbar with a curling free kick in the 88th minute.

Standout Performers

• Afonso Rodrigues (FC Famalicao) – Two clinical finishes and constant movement off the ball showed why he is pushing for a starting role.
• Tomás Ribeiro (FC Famalicao) – Dictated the tempo from midfield and scored a brilliant long-range goal.
• Diogo Marques (Famalicao U23) – The young winger was the brightest spark for his side, using pace and dribbling to trouble senior defenders.

Pre-Season Context

This internal friendly forms part of FC Famalicao’s build-up to the 2026–27 Primeira Liga season. The senior squad will now travel to a training camp in the Algarve, where they will face higher-level opposition, including Spanish Segunda side Málaga CF. For the U23s, the match was valuable preparation for the Liga Revelação campaign, where they aim to develop talent for the first team.

The comprehensive win gives Evangelista plenty of positive signs. Fitness levels appeared high, and the team’s pressing structure was sharp for this early stage of pre-season. However, tougher tests lie ahead, and the manager will likely focus on defensive transitions after noticing the U23s’ ability to counter-attack effectively in spells.