Vitória de Guimarães Concludes Training Camp with Tough Test Against Nottingham Forest

Pulse Sports Team 18:05 - 26 July 2026

Igor Jesus put the English side ahead, but Miguel Nogueira secured a draw for the “Conquistadores,” who finished the game with an average age of 20. JP Silva and Opara joined Vitória's senior squad in the Algarve and saw minutes against the British team.

Vitória de Guimarães played out a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest this Sunday in a friendly match held at the Parque das Cidades Training Center in Faro/Loulé.

The opening goal of the match – which uniquely featured two 60-minute halves – came from the English side, with Igor Jesus finding the net. However, in the second half, Miguel Nogueira converted a penalty for Vitória, securing the final scoreline.

Tiago Margarido continued to experiment with various tactical setups, utilizing the following players: Juan Castillo, Oliwier Zych, Alioune Ndoye, Antenory Guenha, Beni, Ejike Opara, Francisco Dias, Gonçalo Nogueira, Gustavo Silva, JP Silva, Lohann Doucet, Matija Mitrovic, Maga, Miguel Nogueira, Orest Lebedenko, Óscar Rivas, Oumar Camara, Rica Rocha, Rodrigo Silva, Samu, Santiago Verdi, Telmo Arcanjo, Thiago Balieiro, Tony Strata, Yeimar Mosquera, and Zeega.

A notable aspect was the significant youth present in the Vitória squad that finished the game: Juan Castillo, Antenory Guenha, Gonçalo Nogueira, JP Silva, Miguel Nogueira, Orest Lebedenko, Rica Rocha, Rodrigo Silva, Santiago Verdi, Yeimar Mosquera, and Zeega. This young eleven boasted an average age of just 20 years.

With Costinha sidelined due to injury and João Mendes absent following a family bereavement, the manager of the “Conquistadores” saw more youth academy prospects join the squad during the Algarve training camp. Antenory Guenha, JP Silva, and Ejike Opara all featured in the match against Nottingham Forest.

RETURN TO GUIMARÃES AND PÓVOA TOURNAMENT

The Vitória squad will now return to their home city, Guimarães, where they will continue their training under Tiago Margarido in the coming days.

On the horizon for the “Conquistadores” is the official squad presentation to the fans, scheduled for Wednesday at the Plataforma das Artes e da Criatividade in Guimarães. Following this, the Minho-based club will head to Póvoa de Varzim to participate in the well-known tournament organized by the local club on August 1st and 2nd.