Benfica vs Rio Ave Prediction 23 September 2025
🔊 In the upcoming Primeira Liga match, Benfica will host Rio Ave, and this clash promises to be action-packed. Benfica are confidently moving towards the top of the table, currently sitting in second place, and they aim to solidify their position in the title race. The team have been in consistent form, winning four of their last five matches. Meanwhile, Rio Ave are facing challenging times, positioned 16th and perilously close to the relegation zone. They play aggressively in attack but often make defensive errors. The hosts have a clear advantage in terms of squad depth and tactics.
Head-to-Head
The last official encounter between the teams took place on 16 March 2025 and ended with a 2-3 scoreline. Here's a comparative breakdown of the statistics from that match (with Rio Ave as the home side):
- possession: 40% vs 60%;
- corner kicks: 3 vs 11;
- fouls: 16 vs 12;
- yellow cards: 2 vs 1;
- shots on target: 2 vs 8.
📊 Statistical preview of official encounters between Benfica and Rio Ave:
- 42 matches played;
- home wins - 34, away wins - 2, draws - 6;
- goals scored - 99 versus 35;
- average goals in the first half - 1.36, in the second half - 1.83;
- average total goals per match - 3.19.
Head-to-head statistics Benfica - Rio Ave

Benfica Lisbon Team Overview
Benfica are in impressive form, boasting four wins and a draw in their last five matches, showcasing the team's high level of play. Their defense is outstanding, conceding an average of just 0.4 goals per game. The Eagles favor a possession-based style, creating numerous scoring opportunities thanks to their well-organized attacking line. Their last head-to-head against Rio Ave ended in a 3-2 victory, providing extra motivation for a rematch.
Match Results: Benfica Lisbon

Rio Ave Team Overview
Rio Ave are teetering on the edge of the relegation zone, having managed just three draws and two losses in their last five matches. The team is struggling on both ends of the pitch. Defensively, it's a bleak picture, with an average of 2.4 goals conceded per game. Offensively, the situation isn't much better, as they're netting only 1.4 goals per match. Their strategy relies on quick counterattacks, but frequent errors have led to dropped points, even against weaker opponents. This raises questions about whether the team has the strength to pull themselves out of this predicament. Perhaps the coach should reconsider their tactics or focus on building a more solid defense? Clearly, something needs to change-and fast!
Match Results: Rio Ave
Latest news
Benfica Lisbon
📝 José Mourinho has indeed taken the helm, and Benfica's executives are already preparing funds for a potential buyout clause. This appointment is a significant gamble, as the Portuguese manager hasn't delivered top-tier results recently. So far, things are looking up: they secured a commanding 3-0 victory against ABC in their first match, showcasing a dominant performance. Once again, the defense deserves praise for its effectiveness in breaking down plays. We'll continue to keep an eye on this development.
⚽️ Notably, Pavlidis found the net once more, as the club's top scorer continues to bolster his stats.
❌ There are currently no injury concerns, aside from players who have been sidelined for an extended period.
Rio Ave
📝 There was a match against Porto, which ended in a heavy defeat (0-3). Issues in attack organization resurfaced as they failed to create any significant chances. Porto simply overwhelmed their opponent and dominated even when the outcome was clear. Urgent changes are needed with this level of play, or a new coaching staff might be brought in. The season's start has been disastrous.
⚽️ Everyone needs to step up, not just Clayton. The club faces a challenging schedule.
❌ There are no injury concerns.
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- number of encounters - 42;
- home team wins - 34, away team wins - 2, draws - 6.
Statistics: Benfica Lisbon vs Rio Ave
- matches played in the tournament: 0 vs 0;
- wins: 0 vs 0;
- win percentage: 0% vs 0%;
- losses: 0 vs 0;
- draws: 0 vs 0.
Last 10 matches:
- wins: 5 vs 2;
- losses: 2 vs 5;
- draws: 3 vs 3.
- Benfica Lisbon won with a -1.5 handicap in last 9 home games against Rio Ave (Primeira Liga).
- Benfica Lisbon won with a -1.5 handicap in 6 of last 7 home games against Rio Ave.
Prediction on the over/under
H2H
- the home team scores on average - 2.36, the guests - 0.83;
- average over/under goals in head-to-head matches - 3.19;
- both teams scored: overall - 24; at the home team's field - 12.
- Under 3.5 goals scored in 10 of last 11 Benfica Lisbon games.
- Under 3.5 goals scored in last 8 Benfica Lisbon games (Primeira Liga).
Prediction on corners
- Under 11.5 corners in last 5 Benfica Lisbon games.
- Under 11.5 corners in 14 of last 15 Rio Ave away games.
Prediction on cards
H2H
- average Over/Under yellow cards in H2H matches - 3.58 (1.79 - for home team and 1.79 - for away team);
- average Over/Under yellow cards at home team's field - 3.48 (1.37 - for home team and 2.11 - for away team).
Prediction on BTTS
H2H:
- number of encounters - 42;
- both teams scored all-time - 24 times;
- on the home team’s field - 12 times.
- Rio Ave have scored and conceded in 6 of last 7 games (Primeira Liga).