Looking to keep their fading Primeira Liga title charge alive, Benfica seek to take maximum points as they make the trip to Rio Ave for a matchday 18 clash at Estadio dos Arcos on Saturday.
The Eagles are a whopping 10 points behind league leaders Porto, while the hosts are 10th, with a six-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Our Rio Ave vs Benfica prediction provides a clear outlook on the contest, with additional Primeira Liga betting tips also included.
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Rio Ave vs Benfica prediction: Eagles aim for perfect response
Key stats:
- We have seen over 2.5 goals in 11 of Rio Ave’s 17 league games this season, including the most recent three.
- Vangelis Pavlidis has scored nine goals across his last seven league matches.
- Benfica have won six of their eight away games in the Primeira Liga this season.
Correct score prediction: Rio Ave 1–2 Benfica
Rio Ave enter this encounter with renewed momentum after ending a three-game winless run with a victory over Casa Pia, though they face a Benfica side eager to bounce back from recent setbacks.
Just a week after exiting the Taca da Liga, Jose Mourinho’s men endured another blow with defeat to arch-rivals Porto, a result that also confirmed their elimination from the Taca de Portugal.
With focus now turned to the Primeira Liga, Benfica are targeting maximum points, knowing that any further slip-ups would further dim their already fading title hopes.
While an away win is expected, Rio Ave are capable of making life difficult for the visitors, so it would not be a surprise to see both teams find the net, with Benfica edging a narrow victory.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Visitors tipped as heavy favourites
- HOME: 8/1 (9.00) – 11.1%
- DRAW: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.0%
- AWAY: 1/3 (1.33) – 75.0%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and subject to change.
The bookmakers have installed Benfica as strong favourites with a 75.0% win probability, while Rio Ave’s chances stand at a mere 11.1%.
Our hot tip — Benfica win or draw and over 2.5 goals — offers solid value at 4/5 (1.80).
Most recent H2H: One-sided fixture
Rio Ave secured a rare point the last time the sides met, holding Benfica to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture, though that is just one of two games in the last 16 meetings in which the Eagles have failed to win.
Portugal Primeira Liga 23/09/25
Benfica
Rio Ave
Portugal Primeira Liga 16/03/25
Rio Ave
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 27/10/24
Benfica
Rio Ave
Portugal Primeira Liga 17/05/24
Rio Ave
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 14/01/24
Benfica
Rio Ave
Rio Ave preview: Two confirmed absentees
Theofanis Bakoulas and defender Omar Richards will once again miss out on Saturday’s game as they continue their recovery from knee injuries.
Predicted XI: Miszta (GK), Petrasso, Panzo, Abbey, Vrousai, Ntoi, Aguilera, Athanasiou, A Luiz, Clayton & Pohlmann
Rio Ave’s last five results:
- 04/01/26: Rio Ave 3–1 Casa Pia (W)
- 28/12/25: Sporting CP 4–0 Rio Ave (L)
- 20/12/25: Gil Vicente 2–2 Rio Ave (D)
- 13/12/25: Rio Ave 0–1 Vitoria Guimaraes (L)
- 06/12/25: AFS 1–2 Rio Ave (W)
Benfica preview: Key midfielder doubtful amid several absentees
Midfielder Richard Rios was forced off in the defeat to Porto, making his availability for this clash uncertain. Meanwhile, confirmed absentees include Nuno Felix (knee), Bruma (Achilles), Alexander Bah (knee), Dodi Lukebakio (ankle) and Samuel Soares (muscle).
Predicted XI: Trubin (GK), Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl, Barrenechea, Manu, Prestianni, Barreiro, Sudakov & Pavlidis
Benfica’s last five results:
- 04/01/26: Rio Ave 3–1 Casa Pia (W)
- 28/12/25: Casa Pia 0–0 Vitoria Guimaraes (D)
- 21/12/25: Tondela 1–2 Casa Pia (L)
- 17/12/25: Casa Pia 1–2 Torreense (L)
- 13/12/25: Casa Pia 1–1 Gil Vicente (D)
Player to watch: Vangelis Pavlidis
Vangelis Pavlidis currently leads the Primeira Liga Golden Boot race with 17 goals this season, and all eyes will be on the Greek striker on Saturday to see if he can add to that tally.