Chaves vs Amarante

Marquinhos broke the deadlock in the first half, finishing a move to score his first goal for the club since arriving from Santa Cruz FC. The Brazilian then turned provider, delivering the assist for Aarón Romero to double Chaves’ lead in the second period.

Amarante reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, but Chaves held on to secure the win in what was their fifth pre-season fixture of the summer.

Amarante’s penalty gave them a route back into the game, but Chaves’ response was controlled. The hosts had established a two-goal cushion through Marquinhos’ contribution at both ends — scoring and assisting — which proved enough to withstand the visitors’ late push.

Marquinhos (Chaves) — The newly-signed Brazilian winger made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club and providing the assist for Aarón Romero. Signed from Santa Cruz FC on 21 July, he needed less than 24 hours to make his mark.

Aarón Romero (Chaves) — The Spanish full-back converted Marquinhos’ assist for Chaves’ second goal, continuing his involvement in pre-season preparations under manager Vítor Martins.

Player of the match: Marquinhos (Chaves)

Chaves entered this match with three consecutive goalless draws in pre-season — 0-0 against AVS (11 July), AD Fafe (15 July) and Vizela (18 July) — before finding the net twice here. The 2-1 scoreline represents their first win of the pre-season campaign. The match was played behind closed doors, limiting data available on possession and shot volume, but the attacking contribution from a new signing suggests growing sharpness in the final third.

Chaves have now completed five of their six scheduled pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2026/27 Liga Portugal 2 season. The win over Amarante — a club promoted to the same division for the coming campaign — provides a useful benchmark and a confidence boost after a run of three stalemates.

The result also highlights the immediate impact of Chaves’ recruitment drive. Marquinhos is one of several new arrivals this month, alongside Panamanian right-back Antony Helbert (signed 22 July), left-back Léo Alaba (from AVS, 20 July), winger Costinha (from Petro de Luanda, 14 July), and midfielder Dru Yearwood (from Rotherham United, 13 July).

Chaves host Vitória SC B in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday, 25 July (10:30 BST). Amarante continue their own preparations for their maiden Liga Portugal 2 campaign.

A routine pre-season win for Chaves, noteworthy chiefly for the instant impact of Marquinhos. The Brazilian’s goal and assist suggest he could be a valuable addition for the season ahead. Amarante, still finding their feet after promotion, will take the competitive minutes as building blocks for August’s league opener.