

Match Report: Arges 5–2 Vllaznia Shkoder – Pre-Season Fireworks in Romania
Arges kicked off their 2026 pre-season preparations in explosive fashion, hammering Albanian side Vllaznia Shkoder 5–2 in an entertaining International Club Friendly on June 30. The Romanian Liga I side showed sharp attacking intent from the first whistle, racing into a commanding lead before the visitors mounted a brief comeback.
First-Half Dominance
Playing in front of a modest but enthusiastic crowd at their home venue, Arges wasted no time imposing themselves. A flurry of three goals inside the opening 25 minutes put the game firmly in their control. The home side’s high press and quick transitions repeatedly caught Vllaznia off guard, with the midfield trio dictating the tempo and feeding the wide attackers.
By the interval, the scoreline read 4–0, leaving the Albanian visitors with a mountain to climb. Arges’ center-forward bagged a brace in the first half, showcasing clinical finishing from crosses that the Vllaznia defense simply could not deal with.
Second-Half Fightback and Arges Response
Vllaznia Shkoder emerged from the break with renewed energy, pulling two goals back inside ten minutes to make it 4–2. A well-worked set piece and a counter-attacking strike gave the Albanian side a glimmer of hope.
However, Arges quickly steadied the ship. A fifth goal midway through the second half restored the three-goal cushion and effectively ended any chance of a dramatic comeback. The home side’s defensive organization improved after the wobble, and they saw out the remainder of the friendly with professional ease.
Key Takeaways
- Arges demonstrated excellent fitness levels for late June, a positive sign ahead of the new Liga I season.
- Vllaznia Shkoder showed character to fight back but will need to tighten defensively before their competitive campaign begins.
- The match served as useful minutes for both squads, with multiple substitutions used to test depth.
Friendly results should always be taken with caution, but Arges will be delighted with a 5–2 win that gives their supporters plenty of optimism for the months ahead.