Ovarense open Campeonato de Portugal with a 0-2 win at Castro Daire

AD Ovarense could not have started the 2026/27 Campeonato de Portugal in a better way, beating hosts AD Castro Daire 0-2 in the opening matchday of Série 2.

In Castro Daire, Hélder Castro's side lined up in a 4-3-3, with Carvalho wearing the captain's armband. The opening goal came on 36 minutes from midfielder Gonçalo Costa, marking the official debut of the new era at senior level.

Ovarense led 0-1 at half-time. In the second half, the coach freshened up the attack by bringing on Leandro Tigre and Ivo Almeida on 72 minutes, replacing Rúben Fonseca and Luís Cacheira. It paid off: just five minutes after coming on, Ivo Almeida made it 0-2 on 77 minutes with a classy finish.

Late on, Ovarense hit the crossbar through a header from Rúben Fonseca and created further chances to extend the lead. Hélder Castro also gave minutes to Fil, David Amaro and Boateng in their first official appearances of the season.

In the stands, hundreds of Ovarense supporters travelled to Castro Daire and never stopped backing the team. With this result, AD Ovarense move to 1st place in Série 2 with 3 points and a goal difference of +2.

AD Castro Daire 0 – 2 AD Ovarense
Goals: Gonçalo Costa (36'), Ivo Almeida (77')
Venue: Complexo Desportivo Castro Daire
Coach: Hélder Castro