Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Excelsior Virton beat Luxembourg champions Atert Bissen 2-0 in a pre-season friendly on 18 July 2026, with goals from G. Arib (20') and a trialist (39').
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
Virton, who had lost their two previous friendlies — 4-0 to F91 Dudelange on 11 July and 3-1 to RAAL on 15 July — took control early against Atert Bissen. Midfielder G. Arib broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, finishing from open play to give the Belgian third-tier side a deserved lead.
A trialist on the books made it 2-0 in the 39th minute, and Virton carried that cushion into the break. The second half produced no further goals, with Virton managing the game comfortably to close out the victory.
The turning point
The opening goal inside 20 minutes effectively set the tone. Virton, having conceded seven goals across their first two friendlies, needed an early foothold, and Arib's strike provided it. Atert Bissen never looked capable of mounting a comeback, and the trialist's goal before half-time extinguished any hope of a response.
Key performers
- G. Arib: The midfielder scored his first goal of pre-season with a well-taken finish in the 20th minute. The 26-year-old Frenchman, who operates as a defensive midfielder, was a key presence in the centre of the park.
- Trialist: The unnamed player made his mark with a goal in the 39th minute, adding weight to his case for a permanent deal at the club.
Player of the match: G. Arib — his goal set Virton on their way and he controlled the midfield throughout.
By the numbers — interpreted
The provider data records two goals from three shots on target for Virton, reflecting a clinical first-half display. Atert Bissen failed to find the net despite being Luxembourg's top-flight champions. The match saw no cards issued, typical of a friendly where both sides prioritised fitness over aggression. The clean sheet will particularly please the Virton coaching staff after conceding seven in the previous two outings.
What it means
This was Virton's third and final friendly before their next pre-season test: they host US Hostert at Le Congo on 22 July (19:00 kick-off). Atert Bissen continue their own summer preparations as they build towards the new Luxembourg Nationaldivisioun season.
Virton's form trajectory is improving — from a 4-0 loss to Dudelange to a 3-1 defeat to RAAL and now a 2-0 win. The clean sheet was the first of their pre-season campaign.
Verdict
A controlled, professional pre-season performance from Virton. Two first-half goals, a clean sheet, and a first win of the summer. The trialist's contribution adds intrigue ahead of the Hostert friendly, while Arib looks ready for the competitive season. For Atert Bissen, it was a useful workout against a higher-level opponent, but they will want more attacking threat in their remaining friendlies.
Match Events
Key match events between Atert Bissen and Excelsior Virton — 2 goals and 0 cards recorded during the match.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 19 Jul 2026