The smell of fresh grass and new beginnings filled the air at Gil Vicente’s training ground in Barcelos. A friendly match, yes, but the buzz was real. Gil Vicente kicked off their preseason with a resounding 4-1 victory over Sp. Braga B this Saturday. It was a clear statement of intent for the season ahead.
Coach César Peixoto wasn’t just looking for a win. He used the game to test out a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans. This blend seemed to hit the right note, even after an early hiccup. Sp. Braga B’s Afonso Duarte managed to put his team ahead just three minutes in, catching Gil Vicente a little flat-footed.
But the response was swift and decisive. Just six minutes later, 17-year-old winger Rodrigo Rodrigues showed his promise. He found the back of the net, leveling the score. Rodrigues wasn’t content with just one. He struck again in the 37th minute, completing a quick turnaround and putting Gil Vicente in the lead. Before the first half wrapped up, Pablo, a striker who signed with the club permanently this summer, extended the lead to 3-1 right at the 45-minute mark. It was a powerful display before the break.
The second half kept the momentum going. Santí García added the final touch in the 76th minute. His goal came from a corner, sealing the dominant 4-1 victory. The win offered a first peek at what Gil Vicente’s squad might look like, with many players getting valuable minutes on the pitch. Andrew, Dani Figueira, Hevertton, Diogo Costa, Zé Carlos, Pablo Felipe, Guilherme Freitas, Rodrigo Rodrigues, Bermejo, Gonçalo Maia, Marvin, Mutombo, Diego Collado, Espigares, Konan, Luís Esteves, Madou, Martín Fernández, Santi Garcia, Buatu, Agustín Moreira, Gui Beleza, and Gonçalo Maia all pulled on the shirt.
Now, the team gets a short breather. After this strong start, they’ll pack their bags for a training camp. Their next stop is Arcos de Valdevez, starting on Monday. It’s all part of building a solid foundation for the challenges that lie ahead.