Benfica vs Rio Ave Prediction & Expert Tips

Benfica vs Rio Ave Match Preview

Benfica enter this Liga Portugal clash in commanding early-season form. From five league games, they have collected four wins and one draw, scoring 10 goals and conceding only twice.

Their recent outings highlight both resilience and sharp finishing. A 3–0 away victory at AVS underlined their ability to control matches, while the 2–1 win at Alverca showed they can grind out results on the road.

At home, results have been steadier, though a 1–1 draw against Santa Clara and a narrow 1–0 success over Fenerbahce in Europe show they are not immune to tense contests. Their biggest setback came in continental competition, a 2–3 loss to Qarabag, but in domestic terms, they remain unbeaten.

Rio Ave’s campaign could hardly contrast more starkly. They have yet to win in the league after five attempts, collecting three draws and two defeats.

Defensive fragility is proving costly: 12 goals conceded already, more than double of Benfica’s tally, points to a side struggling to contain opponents.

Their last outing, a 0–3 home loss to Porto, added to frustrations, following on from defeats at Moreirense (1–3) and a string of high-scoring draws, including 3–3 at Arouca and 2–2 against Braga.

While Rio Ave have shown some attacking spark with seven goals, their inability to see games through remains a major issue.

Head-to-head trends are firmly stacked against Rio Ave. Benfica have dominated recent meetings, winning the last three in a row, including a 5–0 rout in October 2024 and a 4–1 success earlier that year.

Even away in Vila do Conde, Benfica have prevailed, as seen in March 2025 with a 3–2 victory. Rio Ave’s last taste of success against this opponent is long forgotten, as the Lisbon giants have built a near-unbroken streak of victories across several seasons.

Smart Insights by LeagueLane®

• Benfica are unbeaten in five league matches, with four wins and 10 goals scored.
• Rio Ave are winless this season, conceding 12 goals in five outings.
• Benfica have won the last three H2H meetings by margins of 2+ goals, including a 5–0 home win in 2024.
• Rio Ave have seen BTTS in three of their last four league games, but heavy defeats highlight defensive issues.

Benfica vs Rio Ave Prediction

Everything points to another commanding display from Benfica. Their clean defensive record in Liga Portugal (just two conceded in five) sets them up well against a Rio Ave side leaking goals at an alarming rate. Past H2H history also supports a lopsided scoreline, with Benfica routinely scoring three or more against this opposition.

The first betting angle worth backing is Benfica to score two or more goals in the first half. Given Rio Ave’s tendency to start slowly and shipping three at Moreirense and Porto. Benfica’s sharp attack looks primed to strike early, matching the 2.55 odds available.

A second value bet is a correct scoreline of 4–0 to Benfica. With Rio Ave already suffering a 3–0 and a 3–1 defeat this season, and Benfica having beaten them 5–0 in Lisbon last year, a dominant clean-sheet victory is very much on the cards. The 9.50 odds reflect the potential but align with the statistical trends.

Benfica’s superiority, combined with Rio Ave’s winless streak, makes a home victory by multiple goals the most realistic outcome.

Finn Larsson- September 21, 2025

Benfica vs Rio Ave Betting Tips

Benfica to score 2 or more goals in first half

OK

2.55 Odds

Benfica 4-0

OK

9.50 Odds