Match: Rio Ave vs Benfica
Competition: Portuguese Primeira Liga
Date & Time (UTC): 8:30 PM, Saturday, 17 January 2026
Bangladesh Time (BST): 2:30 AM, Sunday, 18 January 2026 (UTC +6)
Venue: Estádio dos Arcos, Vila do Conde
Match Preview: Rio Ave vs Benfica
Rio Ave face a tough challenge as they host Benfica in this Primeira Liga fixture. Benfica arrive as one of the strongest teams in Portugal, aiming to maintain pressure in the title race, while Rio Ave will look to make the most of their home advantage and frustrate the visitors.
This matchup is expected to test Rio Ave’s defensive discipline against Benfica’s attacking depth and experience.
Recent Form of Both Teams
Rio Ave – Last 5 Matches (Summary)
- ❌ Loss vs Porto
- ➖ Draw vs Estoril
- ❌ Loss vs Braga
- ✅ Win vs Arouca
- ➖ Draw vs Casa Pia
Form Analysis:
Rio Ave have shown resilience at times but have struggled to secure consistent results, especially against top-half opponents.
Benfica – Last 5 Matches (Summary)
- ✅ Win vs Boavista
- ✅ Win vs Famalicao
- ➖ Draw vs Sporting CP
- ✅ Win vs Gil Vicente
- ✅ Win vs Portimonense
Form Analysis:
Benfica come into this match in strong form, showing attacking efficiency and solid defensive organization in recent fixtures.
Head-to-Head Record: Rio Ave vs Benfica
- Benfica Wins: Dominant majority
- Draws: Occasional
- Rio Ave Wins: Rare
Benfica have historically dominated this fixture, winning most of their recent meetings with Rio Ave.
Key Players to Watch
Rio Ave
- Emmanuel Boateng – Pace and attacking threat
- Guga – Midfield energy and distribution
- Josué Sá – Defensive leadership
Benfica
- Ángel Di María – Creativity and experience
- Rafa Silva – Movement and goal contribution
- António Silva – Defensive stability
Injury & Team News
- Rio Ave: No major injury concerns reported ahead of the match.
- Benfica: One or two minor fitness doubts, but no confirmed long-term absences.
(Final team news should be checked closer to kickoff.)
Tactical Analysis & Match Insights
Benfica are expected to:
- Control possession
- Apply high pressing
- Create chances through wide and central areas
Rio Ave are likely to:
- Defend deep in a compact shape
- Look for counter-attacking opportunities
- Rely on set-pieces for scoring chances
An early Benfica goal could significantly tilt the match in the visitors’ favor.
Rio Ave vs Benfica Match Prediction
Benfica to Win
Possible Scoreline:
Rio Ave 0–2 Benfica
Benfica’s superior quality and form make them clear favorites in this encounter.
External Sources (For Verification & Updates)
- Benfica Official Website – Team news & updates
- Primeira Liga Official Website – Fixtures & standings
- Reputable football statistics platforms for form & head-to-head data