Montalegre 1-2 Chaves B | International Club Friendly – 25 July 2026

Chaves B edged past Montalegre 2-1 in a pre-season friendly that provided valuable minutes for both squads ahead of their respective campaigns. The match, played at Montalegre’s Estadio Dr. Diogo Alves, saw the visitors come from behind to secure a narrow victory.

Match Overview

This friendly served as an important fitness test for both sides, with Chaves B – the reserve team of Portuguese Liga Portugal 2 side GD Chaves – facing off against senior-level opposition from Montalegre. Montalegre, competing in the Campeonato de Portugal, started brightly but ultimately could not hold onto their early lead.

Key Moments

• 15th minute – Goal (Montalegre): Home forward Ricardo Almeida capitalised on a defensive slip from Chaves B, rounding the goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net.
• 34th minute – Goal (Chaves B): Midfielder João Santos equalised with a powerful strike from the edge of the box after a well-worked corner routine.
• 72nd minute – Goal (Chaves B): Substitute winger Diogo Mendes produced the winner, cutting in from the right and curling a shot into the far corner beyond the reach of the Montalegre keeper.

Tactical Observations

Montalegre came out with high energy, pressing aggressively in the opening stages and taking a deserved lead. However, Chaves B grew into the game, showing better technical quality and positional discipline as the first half progressed. After the break, the visitors controlled possession and created several chances. Montalegre’s defensive unit became increasingly stretched, allowing Chaves B to exploit gaps on the flanks.

Standout Players

João Santos (Chaves B) was influential in midfield, dictating play and scoring the equaliser. Diogo Mendes provided the spark off the bench with a composed winner. For Montalegre, Ricardo Almeida showed sharp finishing during his time on the pitch, but the home side lacked the depth to sustain their early momentum.

Friendly Context

For Chaves B, this win builds momentum as they prepare for the start of the Campeonato de Portugal season. Montalegre, meanwhile, will take positives from a spirited first-half display but will need to address defensive frailties before their league campaign begins. Both coaching staffs rotated heavily in the second half, giving extended minutes to squad players and trialists.