Chaves vs Fafe

Fafe had momentum after Otumba's goal just before half-time, but Chaves came out with renewed intensity in the second half. Kiko's strike early in the period extinguished any hope of a Fafe comeback, and from there the hosts controlled the remainder of the game.

• Aarón Romero: Opened the scoring with a well-taken finish, setting the tone after a goalless opening period.
• Roberto: Doubled Chaves' advantage at a crucial moment, giving the hosts breathing room before Fafe's response.
• Prince Otumba (Fafe): The only bright spot for the visitors, scoring against his parent club and showing why Chaves sent him out on loan for regular minutes.
• Robyn Esajas: Capped the scoring with a composed finish, his second goal of pre-season.

Player of the match: Aarón Romero — his opener broke the deadlock and sparked the scoring spree.

The match finished 0-0 at half-time before producing five goals in the second period. The 4-1 scoreline reflects a game that was far tighter than the final margin suggests: Fafe were within a goal at the break thanks to Otumba's strike. The second-half collapse from the Liga 3 side, conceding twice, highlights the gulf in fitness and depth between the two divisions at this early stage of pre-season.

Chaves remain unbeaten in pre-season and continue their preparations for the 2026/27 Liga Portugal 2 campaign. They face fellow Liga 2 side Vizela on Saturday, also behind closed doors, in another test at their Trás-os-Montes base. Fafe, preparing for the Liga 3 season, will look to tighten up defensively before their next friendly.

A thoroughly professional performance from a Chaves side that did the job in the second half after a goalless first period. The scoreline flattered the hosts slightly — Fafe were competitive until the interval — but the Liga 2 side's superior fitness and depth told after the break. Four different scorers and a clean sheet in the second half are the positives for Chaves as they build towards the new season.