União de Leiria vs AD Marco 09

Leiria's first-half opener was decisive. Marco 09, managed by experienced coach Milton Mendes, had been organised defensively in the opening exchanges but conceded against the run of play. Once behind, the visitors had to push forward, which opened spaces that Leiria exploited after the restart.

Marco 09 rarely threatened Leiria's goal, with the home defence yet to concede from open play in pre-season — both goals conceded so far (the 1-0 loss to Alverca and this fixture) have come from single strikes.

Borislav Rupanov — The new signing made an immediate impression. Signed on loan with an option to buy on 3 July, per the club's official website, the Bulgarian striker showed the movement and finishing that convinced Leiria's recruitment team. If he maintains this form, he could be the focal point of the attack when the II Liga season begins.

Pedro Oliveira — The U23 graduate's goal highlights the pathway Fábio Pereira is creating between the reserve and senior squads. With the club operating under a FIFA-imposed transfer ban that restricts new registrations, internal solutions like Oliveira will be vital.

Leiria defensive unit — A clean sheet against a promotion-winning Liga 3 side continues the solid foundation built in pre-season. The backline, featuring returnees José Pedro and Víctor Rofino, has conceded only once in two outings.

While detailed match statistics were not published for this closed-doors friendly, the 2-0 scoreline reflects the gap between the divisions. Leiria finished sixth in the II Liga in 2025/26 — nine points off the promotion playoff places — while Marco 09 earned promotion to Liga 3 for the new season after finishing as the best third-placed team in the Campeonato de Portugal.

The fact that both goals came from a new signing and a U23 call-up also tells a story: Leiria's squad is in transition. Eleven players departed after last season, including loanees Daniel Borges, Dieu Michel and Júnior Mendes, and out-of-contract defenders Genaro Rodríguez and Habib Sylla. With the FIFA transfer ban limiting new arrivals, Pereira is relying on loanees and academy products to fill gaps.

Leiria's pre-season record now stands at one win and one loss. The response to the Alverca defeat will satisfy Pereira, who needs his side competitive by the time the II Liga season kicks off in August.

For Marco 09, this was a useful test against higher-level opposition as they prepare for life in Liga 3. Milton Mendes' side will have learned where they need to strengthen before the competitive season starts.

Leiria's next friendly is against Vitória de Guimarães (Liga Portugal) on 22 July at 18:30 local time in Ferreiras, Albufeira — a significant step up in quality. Marco 09's pre-season schedule was not publicly available at the time of writing.

A professional, controlled performance from União de Leiria against a side a division below. Rupanov's early goal settled any nerves after the Alverca loss, and the clean sheet was another positive. The stiffer test against Vitória de Guimarães on 22 July will reveal more about where this rebuilt squad actually stands.