Buxton vs SC Braga

Carlos Vicens fielded a strong starting XI that blended experience with youth: Bernardo Fontes in goal, a back four of Yanis da Rocha, Vitor Carvalho, Lelo and Travassos, with Gabri Martinez and Gorby in midfield, and an attacking line of Luisinho, Dorgeles, Pau Victor and El Ouazzani.

The first half ended goalless (0-0) as both sides shook off early pre-season rust.

Braga raised the tempo after the interval. Luisinho broke the deadlock early in the second half, and Pau Victor doubled the lead shortly after. The Portuguese side continued to push forward and Diego Rodrigues added a third to put the game beyond doubt.

Buxton pulled one goal back to make it 3-1, but the identity of the Buxton goalscorer was not confirmed in official match reports. Buxton FC's social media described it as "a good run out for the Bucks" against the Portuguese giants.

Vicens made extensive use of his squad in the second half, introducing 12 substitutes including Joao Carvalho, Victor Gomez, Jonatas Noro, Afonso Sousa, veteran Joao Moutinho, Denis Huseinbasic, Diego Rodrigues, Ricardo Horta, Demir Tiknaz, Gabriel Silva, Fran Navarro and new signing Sergio Barcia, who made his debut for the club.

Braga's superior fitness and quality told in the second half after a tight first period. The introduction of experienced heads like Ricardo Horta and Joao Moutinho added creativity and control, allowing Braga to stretch a tiring Buxton defence. Three goals in the second half reflected the gap between the Portuguese top-flight side and the sixth-tier English hosts.

Luisinho — The winger opened the scoring with a composed finish, setting the tone for Braga's second-half dominance. His movement off the ball caused problems throughout.

Pau Victor — Continued his pre-season form after scoring the winner against Sao Joao de Ver on 3 July. Linked well with the midfield and doubled Braga's advantage with a confident finish.

Diego Rodrigues — Came off the bench to add the third goal. His energy and direct running stretched the Buxton defence in the closing stages.

Player of the match: Pau Victor

A 0-0 first half followed by a 3-1 second half tells the story of a controlled pre-season workout. Braga, who average 1.65 goals per match in their recent history, were clinical after the break. The 14 substitutes used by Vicens show the focus was on building match fitness across the squad rather than fielding a settled XI. Buxton, who average 1.45 goals per match, managed a consolation but created limited clear chances against a rotated Braga defence.

Braga continue their pre-season camp at St. George's Park until 10 July. They face Championship side Stoke City in their next friendly on the final day of the England camp, before returning to Portugal for further preparation including a fixture against Celta de Vigo on 18 July — the date Gustaf Lagerbielke is expected to rejoin the squad after his post-World Cup holiday.

Braga's competitive season begins on 23 July with their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round tie against Zeleznicar Pancevo.

Buxton return to their pre-season schedule as they build towards the 2026/27 National League North campaign.

A routine pre-season win for Braga against significantly lower-tier opposition. The scoreline flattered neither side — Braga's quality gap was evident in the second half. The key takeaway for Vicens will be the sharpness of his forwards and the smooth integration of new signing Sergio Barcia. For Buxton, the workout against a Champions League-calibre side will be valuable preparation for their own season ahead.