Rio Ave vs Benfica Prediction 17 January 2026
🔊 The upcoming clash between Rio Ave and Benfica promises to be an exciting encounter. The teams are in differing form, but each has its strengths. Rio Ave, playing at home, aims to solidify their mid-table position, while Benfica confidently holds third place and remains unbeaten this season. The playing styles of the teams suggest an intriguing spectacle: the hosts often rely on counterattacks, whereas the visitors prefer ball possession. The only question mark is the lineup for both sides: will the key players feature, or will the coaches opt for rotation? The suspense lingers until the last moment.
Head-to-Head
The last official match between the teams took place on 23 September 2025 and ended in a 1-1 draw. Here's a breakdown of the comparative stats from that encounter (with Benfica as the home side):
- possession: 69% vs 31%;
- corners: 11 vs 2;
- fouls: 16 vs 16;
- yellow cards: 3 vs 3;
- shots on target: 7 vs 2.
📊 Statistical preview of the official encounters between Rio Ave and Benfica:
- 43 matches played;
- home wins - 2, away wins - 34, draws - 7;
- goals scored - 36 for Rio Ave, 100 for Benfica;
- average goals in the first half - 1.33, in the second half - 1.84;
- average total goals per match - 3.16.
Head-to-head statistics Rio Ave - Benfica
Rio Ave Team Overview
The last official match took place on in the Primeira Liga, with Rio Ave hosting Casa Pia. The match ended 3-1.
Here are the game statistics (Rio Ave vs Casa Pia):
- possession: 51% vs 49%;
- corners: 9 vs 4;
- fouls: 10 vs 23;
- yellow cards: 0 vs 1;
- shots on target: 8 vs 5.
Rio Ave, despite their recent inconsistency, are determined to showcase their resilience on home turf. Known for their gritty performances and counter-attacking play, the team has recorded two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five outings. Their latest victory marked a return to form after a setback. Currently sitting 10th in the standings, Rio Ave aim to climb higher, leveraging their home advantage. The team's average scoring rate stands at 1.29 goals per game, but their defense remains a concern, conceding around 1.71 goals per match. Their recent 1-1 draw against Benfica highlights their ability to challenge stronger opponents.
Match Results: Rio Ave
Benfica Lisbon Team Overview
The visitors' last official match took place on in the Portuguese Cup, featuring Porto as the home side and Benfica as the visitors. The match ended with a 1-0 scoreline.
The game statistics were as follows (Benfica vs Porto):
- possession: 53% vs 47%;
- corners: 3 vs 7;
- fouls: 12 vs 14;
- yellow cards: 6 vs 5;
- shots on target: 3 vs 5.
Benfica, confidently holding onto third place in the league, are a formidable attacking force. The team boasts impressive scoring stats, averaging 2.12 goals per game while conceding just 0.65. In their last five matches, the Eagles have secured two wins, one draw, and suffered two losses, suggesting a temporary dip in form. Benfica's play style is centered around ball control and dominating opponents, allowing them to capitalize on their chances effectively. Their last encounter with Rio Ave ended in a 1-1 draw, but the team is determined to improve on that result with their attacking prowess.
Match Results: Benfica Lisbon
Latest news
Rio Ave
❌ Rio Ave are missing Theofanis Bakoulas and Omar Richards. Both players are expected to be sidelined for a while.
Benfica Lisbon
🎙 Benfica's head coach José Mourinho shared his thoughts following the 1-0 defeat to Porto in the Portuguese Cup quarter-finals: “The better team lost, but the better team didn't score and conceded one goal. We controlled the game against an opponent who played with great intensity and has the DNA of true athletes, yet Benfica dominated from start to finish. Despite the limited number of scoring opportunities, our dominance seemed clear against a Porto side that is on the rise and full of confidence. Their fans, given the team's excellent form, resigned themselves to seeing their idols spend 45 minutes defending on their own half at home.”
❌ Out for Benfica are Bah, Lukebakio, and Araujo. No new additions to the injury list.
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- number of encounters - 43;
- home team wins - 2, away team wins - 34, draws - 7.
Statistics: Rio Ave vs Benfica Lisbon
- matches played in the tournament: 17 vs 17;
- wins: 4 vs 11;
- win percentage: 24% vs 65%;
- losses: 5 vs 0;
- draws: 8 vs 6.
Last 10 matches:
- wins: 3 vs 6;
- losses: 4 vs 2;
- draws: 3 vs 2.
- Rio Ave won with a +1.5 handicap in 10 of last 11 home games against Benfica Lisbon.
- Rio Ave won with a +1.5 handicap in 9 of last 10 home games against Benfica Lisbon (Primeira Liga).
- Rio Ave won with a +1.5 handicap in 6 of last 7 games (Primeira Liga).
Prediction on the over/under
H2H
- today's home team scores on average - 0.84, the guests - 2.33;
- average Over/Under goals in H2H matches - 3.16;
- both teams scored: overall - 25; at the home team's field - 12.
Statistics: Rio Ave vs Benfica Lisbon
- average total in the tournament: 3 vs 2.76;
- average total goals scored: 1.29 vs 2.12;
- average total in the 1st half: 0.53 vs 1;
- average total in the 2nd half: 0.76 vs 1.12;
- Rio Ave: average total at home in the tournament - 1.25;
- Benfica Lisbon: average total away in the tournament - 2.13;
- last 10 matches (average total): 1.3 (home - 1) vs 1.8 (away - 2).
- Over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of last 7 Benfica Lisbon away games (Primeira Liga).
Prediction on corners
Rio Ave: Statistics
- season: average Over/Under in the tournament - 3.82; at home field - 3.88;
- last 10 matches: average Over/Under - 4.5; at home field - 4.
Benfica Lisbon: Statistics
- season: average Over/Under in the tournament - 5.53, away - 4.5;
- last 10 matches: average Over/Under - 5.2; away - 6.6.
- Benfica Lisbon have taken over 5.5 corners in 7 of last 8 games against Rio Ave (Primeira Liga).
Prediction on BTTS
H2H:
- number of encounters - 43;
- both teams scored all-time - 25 times;
- on the home team’s field - 12 times.
Statistics: Rio Ave vs Benfica Lisbon
- number of matches played in the tournament: 17 vs 17;
- number of matches in the season where both teams scored (BTTS): 11 vs 9;
- number of BTTS matches for Rio Ave at home - 4 (50%);
- number of BTTS matches for Benfica Lisbon away - 3 (38%).
Last 10 matches:
- number of BTTS matches: 7 vs 5;
- BTTS matches for Rio Ave at home - 2 (50%);
- BTTS matches for Benfica Lisbon away - 2 (40%).
Correct score prediction
Statistics of frequent results (current season):
- most common score in the tournament: 1:1 (17/153, 11.1%);
- Rio Ave at home most often finish matches: 1:1 (2/8, 25%);
- Benfica Lisbon away most often play: 0:3 , 1:2 (2/8, 25%).
Based on statistics and probability distribution, the algorithm predicts the top 3 outcomes:
0:1 - 12.54% (odds 7)
0:2 - 11.83% (odds 6)
1:2 - 10.83% (odds 8.5)
⭐ Editorial Prediction
We anticipate an intriguing contest in the upcoming match, given the current form and statistics of the teams. Rio Ave have been delivering inconsistent performances, with mixed results in recent games. However, on their home turf, they can pose a challenge even to stronger opponents. Benfica, despite a temporary dip in form, remain one of the league's most prolific teams. Their last encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, but both sides are eager to climb the table. Considering Benfica's trend of high-scoring away games and the overall scoring ability of both clubs, we predict a total over 2.5.
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Betting Tips: Rio Ave - Benfica Lisbon
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Comparison of Teams Stats
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