Libor Kozak s first Aston Villa goal since December 2013 was in vain as Tim Sherwood s side suffered a 3-1 friendly defeat at the hands of Fulham on Saturday.
The Czech striker has missed over 18 months of football after suffering a broken leg in January 2014, before a back injury ended his hopes of a comeback last season.
Kozak s quest to be part of Sherwood s plans for the upcoming campaign made a positive start in Portugal, though, the 26-year-old netting 10 minutes after coming on at half-time.
Villa – who had new signing Micah Richards at centre-half – enjoyed plenty of early possession against Kit Symons men, but found themselves behind midway through the half as Matt Smith converted Thomas Eisfeld s cross.
Richards and Ashley Westwood both saw efforts deflect wide as Villa searched for an equaliser.
Kozak s introduction at the break gave the Premier League side a boost and he brought them level after collecting a pass from Joe Cole and calmly slotted home.
Villa were not level for long, though, as Alexander Kacaniklic produced a stunning long-range effort before Ross McCormack completed a morale-boosting win for the Championship side.