Algarve Stadium, Portugal — Nottingham Forest and Vitória Guimarães played out a competitive 0-0 draw in a pre-season friendly at the Algarve Stadium as both sides continued preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
The fixture marked the first-ever meeting between the two clubs and provided valuable minutes for players and coaching staff rather than goals, with both teams showing defensive organisation and tactical discipline throughout.
Forest Continue Glasner’s Early Rebuild
The match formed part of Nottingham Forest’s first pre-season under new head coach Oliver Glasner, who is using the summer schedule to implement his tactical ideas ahead of the Premier League season.
Forest entered the contest on the back of convincing friendly victories over Notts County and Blackburn Rovers, but they were unable to find a breakthrough against a well-drilled Vitória side. Despite enjoying spells of possession, the Reds struggled to convert promising attacks into clear-cut chances.
New signing Xaver Schlager featured as he continues to settle into English football after his arrival from Germany, while experienced striker Chris Wood rejoined the squad following an extended break after representing New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vitória Impress Defensively
Vitória Guimarães arrived in Portugal’s southern Algarve region full of confidence after defeating Al Ahli 3-1 in their previous pre-season outing.
The Portuguese side demonstrated excellent defensive shape and composure throughout the contest, frustrating Forest’s attacking players and creating a handful of dangerous moments on the counter-attack.
Young forward Oumar Camara, one of Vitória’s brightest emerging talents, showed flashes of pace and skill, although neither side could produce the decisive finish needed to separate the teams.
Positive Signs Despite Lack of Goals
Although the match finished without a goal, both managers will take encouragement from aspects of their teams’ performances.
For Forest, the clean sheet highlighted improving defensive organisation as Glasner’s philosophy begins to take shape. The game also offered valuable fitness minutes for new arrivals and returning internationals ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Vitória, meanwhile, continued an encouraging pre-season by matching a Premier League opponent for long periods, reinforcing confidence as they prepare for domestic competition and European football.
Looking Ahead
The stalemate extends Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten pre-season run and provides another useful building block before competitive action begins. Vitória Guimarães also remain in positive form after another disciplined display, with the Portuguese outfit looking increasingly prepared for the challenges of the new season.
While supporters were denied goals, the encounter served its primary purpose as a competitive fitness exercise, giving both clubs important opportunities to refine tactics, integrate new signings, and build momentum before the 2026/27 season gets underway.
