A place in the final of the Taca de Portugal is up for grabs as Sporting Lisbon and Rio Ave go toe-to-toe with each other at Jose Alvalade Stadium on Thursday, 3 April 2025.
View our free Sporting Lisbon vs Rio Ave predictions below.
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Sporting Lisbon vs Rio Ave predictions: One team to draw blanks
Key stats
- Sporting Lisbon are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with Rio Ave (W7, D3).
- Rio Ave failed to score in six of the last eight encounters between these sides.
- Three or more goals were scored in six of Rio Ave's last eight trips to Jose Alvalade Stadium.
Correct score prediction: Sporting Lisbon 3-0 Rio Ave
Sporting Lisbon won seven of their last eight encounters with Rio Ave, keeping six clean sheets in the process. The hosts have also strung together five consecutive wins, scoring exactly three goals in each of their last four games.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sporting are overwhelming favourites
- HOME: 1/7 (1.14) – 87.5%
- DRAW: 6/1 (7.00) – 14.3%
- AWAY: 11/1 (12.00) – 8.3%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The past few weeks have not been very pleasant for Rio Ave. They are currently on a three-match losing run and have managed one win in their last seven games.
In contrast, Sporting Lisbon have enjoyed some fine form of late, winning five consecutive games across two competitions.
Ahead of this two-legged semifinal tie, it is fair to point out that Rio Ave's last appearance in the Portuguese Cup final was in 2014. They have appeared in two finals (1984 & 2014), losing both.
On the other hand, Sporting Lisbon are one of the most successful teams in the history of this competition. They have won 17 titles in 30 final appearances.
That said, it is unsurprising that Sporting Lisbon are the expected winners at 1/7 (1.14). Teams with these odds usually have an 87.5% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Sporting Lisbon vs Rio Ave predictions.
Interestingly, at least two goals were scored before the half-time break in four consecutive meetings between Sporting Lisbon and Rio Ave.
On that note, over 1.5 first half goals has an appealing look at 1/1 (2.00). That one has a 50% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Business as usual for Sporting?
Sporting Lisbon were the victors in seven of their last eight clashes with Rio Ave. They are unbeaten in the last 10 meetings between these teams.
Portugal Primeira Liga 18/01/25
Rio Ave
Sporting
Portugal Primeira Liga 09/08/24
Sporting
Rio Ave
Portugal Primeira Liga 25/02/24
Rio Ave
Sporting
Portugal Primeira Liga 25/09/23
Sporting
Rio Ave
Portugal Primeira Liga 06/02/23
Rio Ave
Sporting
Sporting Lisbon preview: Looking to extend their winning streak
Daniel Braganca and Nuno Santos remain unavailable for the hosts because of cruciate ligament injuries, while Pedro Goncalves and Hidemasa Morita have muscle problems.
Predicted lineup: Silva (GK), Inacio, Diomande, Quaresma, Fresneda, Debast, Felicissimo, Reis, Quenda, Trincao & Gyokeres.
Portugal Primeira Liga 10/05/25
D
Benfica
1
Sporting
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 04/05/25
W
Gil Vicente
1
Sporting
2
Portugal Primeira Liga 27/04/25
W
Boavista
0
Sporting
5
Portugal Cup 22/04/25
W
Rio Ave
1
Sporting
2
Portugal Primeira Liga 18/04/25
W
Moreirense
1
Sporting
3
Rio Ave preview: No new injury concerns
Francisco Petrasso and Tobias Medina are sidelined with hamstring injuries for Rio Ave; they will be the only absentees for the visitors in this cup contest.
Predicted lineup: Miszta (GK), Richards, Panzo, Ndoj, Vrousai, Luiz, Neto, Novais, Graca, Morais & Pohlmann.
Portugal Primeira Liga 10/05/25
D
Nacional
3
Rio Ave
3
Portugal Primeira Liga 05/05/25
W
Estrela
0
Rio Ave
2
Portugal Primeira Liga 27/04/25
L
Guimaraes
3
Rio Ave
0
Portugal Cup 22/04/25
L
Sporting
2
Rio Ave
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 18/04/25
D
Santa Clara
1
Rio Ave
1
Player to watch: Victor Gyokeres
Victor Gyokeres has a solid track record against Rio Ave, having scored in three consecutive meetings between these sides. The Swedish forward has been unstoppable in recent weeks, scoring seven times and providing two assists in his last four appearances. He will fancy his chances against Rio Ave once again.