Rio Ave vs Arouca Prediction 31 January 2026
🔊 The clash between Rio Ave and Arouca promises to be a tense encounter, as both teams sit in the lower part of the standings and are eager to improve their positions. Both sides are struggling with scoring: Rio Ave averages 1.16 goals per match, while Arouca manages just 1.05. Despite this, their previous meeting ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, adding intrigue to the upcoming game. The form of both teams also raises questions: Rio Ave have won just one of their last five matches, and Arouca are also unable to boast consistent results.
Head-to-Head
The last official encounter between the teams took place on 23 August 2025 and ended in a 3-3 draw. Here's a comparative breakdown of the statistics from that match (Arouca were the home side):
- possession percentage: 55% vs 45%;
- corner kicks: 4 vs 2;
- fouls: 13 vs 17;
- yellow cards: 3 vs 2;
- shots on target: 6 vs 7.
📊 Statistical preview of official encounters between Rio Ave and Arouca:
- 19 matches played;
- home team wins - 7, away team wins - 6, draws - 6;
- goals scored - 22 for Rio Ave, 21 for Arouca;
- average goals in the 1st half - 0.84, in the 2nd half - 1.42;
- average total goals per match - 2.26.
Head-to-head statistics Rio Ave - Arouca

Rio Ave Team Overview
The team's last official match took place on in the Primeira Liga, featuring Nacional de Madeira as the home side against Rio Ave. The match concluded with a 4-0 victory.
Here are the game statistics (Rio Ave vs Nacional de Madeira):
- possession: 53% vs 47%;
- corners: 5 vs 5;
- fouls: 6 vs 18;
- yellow cards: 0 vs 3;
- shots on target: 6 vs 5.
Rio Ave, currently sitting 12th in the standings, are eager to climb up the table. Their recent form reflects inconsistency, with just one win and one draw in their last five outings. Their most recent match ended in defeat, highlighting the club's urgent need for a victory. Rio Ave typically adopt a defensive approach and focus on ball control, but they struggle when it comes to creating chances in front of goal. Their last head-to-head encounter ended in a 3-3 draw, which boosts confidence in their attacking potential. However, defensive frailties remain a significant concern for the team.
Match Results: Rio Ave

Arouca Team Overview
The visitors last played an official match on in the Primeira Liga, where Arouca hosted Sporting. The game concluded with a 1-2 scoreline.
Here are the match statistics (Arouca vs Sporting):
- possession percentage: 35% vs 65%;
- corners: 4 vs 7;
- fouls: 11 vs 12;
- yellow cards: 3 vs 4;
- shots on target: 5 vs 4.
Arouca, currently sitting 15th in the standings, are facing significant challenges this season. The club struggles with both scoring and consistency, as evidenced by their recent form: one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. In their latest outing, they suffered a defeat but put up a respectable fight against Sporting. The main issue lies in their defense, conceding over two goals per game on average. Nevertheless, their playing style is built around rapid counterattacks and utilizing wide attacking players. Despite a tough season, Arouca aim to climb the table and secure a position above the relegation zone.
Match Results: Arouca
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- number of encounters - 19;
- home team wins - 7, away team wins - 6, draws - 6.
Statistics: Rio Ave vs Arouca
- matches played in the tournament: 19 vs 19;
- wins: 4 vs 4;
- win percentage: 21% vs 21%;
- losses: 7 vs 10;
- draws: 8 vs 5.
Last 10 matches:
- wins: 2 vs 2;
- losses: 5 vs 6;
- draws: 3 vs 2.
- Rio Ave have not lost in 8 of last 9 games against Arouca.
- Rio Ave have not lost in last 7 games against Arouca (Primeira Liga).
Prediction on the over/under
H2H
- today's home team scores on average - 1.16, the guests - 1.11;
- average Over/Under goals in H2H matches - 2.26;
- both teams scored: overall - 8; at the home team's field - 4.
Statistics: Rio Ave vs Arouca
- average total in the tournament: 3 vs 3.37;
- average total goals scored: 1.16 vs 1.05;
- average total in the 1st half: 0.47 vs 0.47;
- average total in the 2nd half: 0.68 vs 0.58;
- Rio Ave: average total at home in the tournament - 1.11;
- Arouca: average total away in the tournament - 1;
- last 10 matches (average total): 0.9 (home - 0.8) vs 1.1 (away - 1.17).
- Arouca have scored under 1.5 goals in 8 of last 9 games.
- Arouca have scored under 1.5 goals in 7 of last 8 games (Primeira Liga).
- Arouca have scored under 1.5 goals in last 5 away games.
Prediction on corners
Rio Ave: Statistics
- season: average Over/Under in the tournament - 3.84; at home field - 3.78;
- last 10 matches: average Over/Under - 4; at home field - 3.8.
Arouca: Statistics
- season: average Over/Under in the tournament - 3.95, away - 3.33;
- last 10 matches: average Over/Under - 3.8; away - 3.67.
- Rio Ave have taken under 4.5 corners in 7 of last 8 games against Arouca.
- Rio Ave have taken under 4.5 corners in 6 of last 7 games against Arouca (Primeira Liga).
Prediction on BTTS
H2H:
- number of encounters - 19;
- both teams scored all-time - 8 times;
- on the home team’s field - 4 times.
Statistics: Rio Ave vs Arouca
- number of matches played in the tournament: 19 vs 19;
- number of matches in the season where both teams scored (BTTS): 11 vs 10;
- number of BTTS matches for Rio Ave at home - 4 (44%);
- number of BTTS matches for Arouca away - 5 (56%).
Last 10 matches:
- number of BTTS matches: 5 vs 6;
- BTTS matches for Rio Ave at home - 2 (40%);
- BTTS matches for Arouca away - 4 (67%).
Correct score prediction
Statistics of frequent results (current season):
- most common score in the tournament: 0:1 (18/171, 10.5%);
- Rio Ave at home most often finish matches: 1:1 (2/9, 22.2%);
- Arouca away most often play: 3:1 (2/9, 22.2%).
Based on statistics and probability distribution, the algorithm predicts the top 3 outcomes:
1:1 - 13.2% (odds 5.6)
1:0 - 8.07% (odds 8.3)
2:1 - 7.97% (odds 9.8)
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Both teams are eager to climb the league standings, yet their current form leaves much to be desired. Rio Ave tend to play defensively but struggle to create scoring opportunities. Arouca, on the other hand, rely on quick counterattacks and wing play. Their last head-to-head ended in a 3-3 draw, suggesting potential goal-scoring from both sides. Given the opponents' inconsistent form and weak defenses, the most likely scenario appears to be over 2.5 goals. This choice is also backed by the statistics on goals conceded in recent matches.