In brief
Académico de Viseu suffered its first defeat of pre-season, losing 1-0 to Lusitânia de Lourosa after three commanding victories (5-0 vs SC Covilhã, 4-1 vs Lynx, 4-1 vs Al Fateh).
In a 1-1 draw with Casa Pia, André Clóvis scored for Académico de Viseu and Abdu Condé equalised; the match was the second of the day for the team, both played behind closed doors.
Head coach Bruno Pinheiro gave playing time to several new signings including Alejandro Mestanza, Cristian Ferreira, and Ewerton Ferreira, while using several regulars only in the final 15 minutes of the morning match.
Académico de Viseu will return to the Portuguese Primeira Liga after 37 years, opening the 2026/27 season away to Benfica at Estádio da Luz on 9 August.
- Morning matchAcadémico de Viseu 0-1 Lusitânia de Lourosa (penalty by Arsénio Nunes)
- Evening matchAcadémico de Viseu 1-1 Casa Pia (André Clóvis and Abdu Condé)
Pre-season context
Académico de Viseu arrived at Saturday's double-header with a perfect pre-season record, having swept SC Covilhã 5-0, Gibraltarian Lynx 4-1, and Saudi Arabia's Al Fateh 4-1. Across those three matches, the team scored 13 goals while conceding only two. The club, popularly known as Viriatos, earned promotion to the Primeira Liga last season, ending a 37-year absence from the top division. Head coach Bruno Pinheiro used the morning fixture to evaluate recent signings in competitive conditions.
Morning defeat to Lourosa
The first match of the day, played behind closed doors at Estádio do Fontelo, saw second-division Lusitânia de Lourosa inflict a 1-0 defeat on Académico de Viseu. Arsénio Nunes scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the first half, beating goalkeeper Sampaio. Pinheiro rotated heavily, giving starts to Spanish midfielder Alejandro Mestanza, Argentine midfielder Cristian Ferreira and Brazilian goalkeeper Ewerton Ferreira, with Ewerton taking over in goal after halftime. The regulars from the promotion-winning campaign entered only for the final 15 minutes. During that period, Igor Milioransa hit the post and André Clóvis forced a sharp stop from the Lourosa keeper. The result snapped a three-game winning streak in which the Viriatos had averaged more than four goals per game.
Evening draw with Casa Pia
The evening friendly, also closed to the public, paired Académico de Viseu with fellow Primeira Liga side Casa Pia. André Clóvis put the home side ahead early, but Abdu Condé equalised before halftime to set up a 1-1 final score. Clóvis's goal was a personal response after his earlier near miss. Casa Pia used the match to continue its own pre-season build-up, with its competitive season opening on 8 August away to Marítimo.
Return to the top flight
Saturday's two matches form part of the final stages of preparation for Académico de Viseu's return to the Portuguese top flight after 37 years. The club will begin the 2026/27 Primeira Liga campaign on 9 August with an away fixture against Benfica at Estádio da Luz, a game scheduled for 20:30. Further friendlies are expected in the coming days as Pinheiro continues to integrate the new arrivals and choose his strongest eleven for the demanding season ahead.