On September 23, 2025, Benfica will face Rio Ave in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Here’s a look at the betting options for this match.
Benfica
Benfica approaches this game with confidence after a solid 3-0 victory over AFC. This win was important after a disappointing 2-3 loss to Qarabag in the Champions League, where they squandered a 2-0 lead. Following that match, José Mourinho took over as head coach.
The season started well for Benfica, winning the Portuguese Super Cup against Sporting and qualifying for the Champions League. They have been unbeaten in nine matches, conceding just two goals and keeping clean sheets in eight of those games.
At home, Benfica has a strong record against Rio Ave, having scored at least four goals in their last three home encounters and winning comfortably.
Rio Ave
In contrast, Rio Ave has struggled this season, with no wins thus far. They began with three draws against Nacional, Arouca, and Braga, followed by two defeats—one to Moreirense and another at home to Porto (0-3). Including the end of last season, they have not won in seven matches.
The team’s defense has been weak, conceding goals in every match, and they’ve allowed two or more goals in four of five games. Their record against Benfica is poor, with only one draw in their last ten meetings and multiple heavy losses. This makes the upcoming match a tough test for Rio Ave.
Probable lineups
- Benfica: Trubin, Araujo, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl, Aursnes, Barrenchea, Rios, Schjelderup, Pavlidis, Ivanovic.
- Rio Ave: Miszta, Ntoi, Brabec, Ebbi, Vrousai, Liavas, Aguilera Zamora, Athanasiou, Andre Luis, Clayton, Spikic.
Key facts and head-to-head stats
- Benfica are unbeaten in 28 of their last 29 matches.
- Benfica have scored first in 11 of their last 12 matches.
- Rio Ave have failed to win 8 of their last 9 matches.
- Rio Ave have lost 3 of their last 4 away matches.
- Benfica have won 9 of their last 10 head-to-head meetings.
- Benfica have won their last 5 home games against Rio Ave.
- 3 of the last 4 head-to-head matches have seen over 3.5 goals scored.
Benfica vs Rio Ave match prediction
Benfica is favored to win this home match. After their Champions League loss, they are eager to perform well in front of their fans, especially under new management. Additionally, they aim to close the gap on Porto in the league standings. Meanwhile, Rio Ave remains winless and is struggling to find form. All indicators suggest a strong chance for Benfica to secure a convincing victory. My prediction for the match is Benfica to win with a -1.5 goal handicap at odds of 1.49.