Benfica vs. Rio Ave Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 23 September 2025

As Liga Portugal kicks off with Round 1, Benfica will face Rio Ave at the iconic Estádio da Luz on 23 September 2025, at 20:15. Both teams will look to set the tone for their season, and fans can expect an intriguing match-up.

Benfica, currently 2nd in the table with 13 points, are strong favourites, boasting an impressive undefeated streak in the tournament. Plagued by injury issues for key players such as Alexander Bah and Dodi Lukebakio, Benfica have maintained form with solid performances, thanks to the brilliance of top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis.

Rio Ave, languishing at 16th with just 3 points, have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 2.4 goals per game. However, their attacking prowess, led by Clayton with 5 goals, is noteworthy. Despite being underdogs, Rio Ave’s recent draws against stronger sides show resilience.

Given the significant odds and expectations, a recommended bet is Rio Ave with +2.50 Asian Handicap at odds of 1.90, offering potential value considering their demonstrated resolve against top-tier teams.

Benfica vs Rio Ave Prediction & Betting Tip

Recommending Rio Ave with a +2.50 Asian Handicap at odds of 1.90 seems like a smart move for this matchup. Benfica are undoubtedly strong favourites, backed by their impressive recent form and a solid track record at Estadio da Luz. However, Rio Ave have shown resilience by securing draws against tough opponents like Braga.

Benfica vs Rio Ave Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Rio Ave +2.50 (AH)	1.90

• Rio Ave have demonstrated their fighting spirit by drawing against stronger teams like Braga.
• Rio Ave’s matches have seen over 2.5 goals 80% of the time this season, indicating potential for high-scoring affairs.
• With Benfica’s recent injury woes, there’s a chance Rio Ave could keep the margin respectable.

Considering these factors, bettors might find good value in backing Rio Ave with the +2.50 AH handicap.

Benfica vs Rio Ave Odds

As the first round of Liga Portugal unfolds, here are the betting odds for the clash between Benfica and Rio Ave.

Benfica is the clear bookmaker favourite to clinch this match, reflecting their superior league position and formidable home record. However, the odds present a tempting opportunity for bettors to capitalise on potential outcomes.

Benfica vs Rio Ave Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Benfica	1.15
Draw	7.39
Rio Ave	15.19

Key Points to Consider:

• Benfica have not lost in their last 20 consecutive Liga Portugal matches.
• Rio Ave have shown they can hold their own with draws against strong teams.
• Historical matches between these teams often see plenty of goals.

These factors make for an exciting betting landscape with varied opportunities.

Benfica Team Analysis

Benfica Recent Performance:

Benfica’s recent run of form demonstrates their dominance, with three wins, a single draw, and one loss in their last five matches:

• AVS Futebol SAD 0 – 3 Benfica (20 September 2025)
• Benfica 2 – 3 Qarabag FK (16 September 2025)
• Benfica 1 – 1 Santa Clara (12 September 2025)
• Alverca 1 – 2 Benfica (31 August 2025)
• Benfica 1 – 0 Fenerbahce (27 August 2025)

Benfica have showcased strong defensive and offensive capabilities, maintaining two clean sheets in the last five games and scoring an average of 1.80 goals per match. Despite facing some injury woes, the team’s depth and resilience have seen them remain unbeaten in league matches. Vangelis Pavlidis, their top scorer, has played a crucial role, reflecting the team’s attacking prowess.

With such a solid track record, Benfica enter this match against Rio Ave with robust momentum, making them formidable opponents.

Benfica Key Players

Benfica’s squad boasts an array of talent, but a few key players stand out, making them indispensable in the upcoming fixture against Rio Ave. Leading the charge is Vangelis Pavlidis, the team’s top scorer with 3 goals this season. His clinical finishing could be a game-changer.

Georgiy Sudakov and Franjo Ivanovic have also been instrumental in the midfield, consistently creating opportunities and providing support on both ends of the pitch. Antonio Silva and Nicolas Otamendi form a strong defensive pairing, crucial in maintaining the team’s stability at the back.

Expected lineup for Benfica:

• Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
• Defenders: Amar Dedic, Antonio Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Samuel Dahl
• Midfielders: Enzo Barrenechea, Richard Rios, Franjo Ivanovic, Fredrik Aursnes
• Attackers: Gianluca Prestianni, Vangelis Pavlidis

These players, along with the team’s collective effort, make Benfica a formidable challenge for any opponent.

Benfica Suspensions & Injuries

Injuries have posed a significant challenge for Benfica as they prepare to face Rio Ave. Key players like Alexander Bah and Manuel Jorge Silva are sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries, potentially returning in late October 2025. The absence of Bruma, who is out with an Achilles tendon injury, along with the doubtful status of Dodi Lukebakio and Nuno Félix due to muscle and strain injuries respectively, further compromises the squad.

These injuries could impact not only the team’s defensive solidity but also limit their attacking options. However, with the depth in their squad and the return of some players on the horizon, Benfica are expected to navigate these hurdles as best they can. The resilience and adaptability of the remaining fit players will be crucial in maintaining their robust form.

Benfica Tactics and Formation

Benfica’s tactical setup and strategic plan have been central to their recent performances. They tend to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides a balanced approach between solid defence and potent attack.

Benfica Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis, who has scored 3 goals this season.
• Midfield Duo: Enzo Barrenechea and Richard Rios ensure control and distribution from the centre.
• Defensive Backbone: Antonio Silva and Nicolas Otamendi, contributing to two clean sheets in their last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Benfica often intensify their attacking play between the 31st and 45th minutes, leading to crucial goals before halftime.

This balanced formation ensures that Benfica can adapt between defensive solidity and aggressive forward plays, making them consistently challenging opponents.

Rio Ave Team Analysis

Rio Ave Recent Performance:

Rio Ave have had a mixed bag of results in their recent outings, showing resilience but struggling to secure wins. Here are their last five matches:

• Rio Ave 0 – 3 FC Porto (19 September 2025)
• Moreirense 3 – 1 Rio Ave (13 September 2025)
• Rio Ave 2 – 2 Braga (31 August 2025)
• Arouca 3 – 3 Rio Ave (23 August 2025)
• Rio Ave 1 – 1 Nacional (17 August 2025)

Despite their position near the bottom of the table, Rio Ave have shown attacking potential, averaging 1.40 goals per game. However, their defence remains a concern as they have not managed a single clean sheet in their last five games.

Their ability to score goals while conceding heavily indicates matches with plenty of action and goals, as evidenced by the 80% occurrence of matches with over 2.5 goals this season.

Rio Ave Key Players

Rio Ave’s squad may not boast the highest profile players, but they have reliable performers who can make a significant impact. Their top scorer, Clayton, with 5 goals this season, is a critical offensive asset and will be crucial in breaking down Benfica’s defence.

Other notable players include Andre Luiz and Dario Spikic, who have been consistent in creating chances and pressuring opposing defences. In midfield, Brandon Aguilera and Giorgos Liavas play pivotal roles in both defence and attack, contributing to the team’s transitions and ball retention.

Expected lineup for Rio Ave:

• Goalkeeper: Cezary Miszta
• Defenders: Andreas Ntoi, Jakub Brabec, Nelson Abbey
• Midfielders: Marios Vrousai, Giorgos Liavas, Brandon Aguilera, Nikolaos Athanasiou
• Attackers: Andre Luiz, Clayton, Dario Spikic

This lineup will aim to leverage their attacking prowess while tightening up defensively to challenge Benfica effectively.

Rio Ave Suspensions & Injuries

Injuries might be a stumbling block for Rio Ave as they face Benfica in the opening round of Liga Portugal. Alfonso Pastor’s finger injury keeps his participation doubtful, while Theofanis Bakoulas is sidelined with a ligament injury, potentially returning in mid-November 2025.

These absences are significant, particularly for a team that has already been struggling defensively. The lack of depth in defensive and goalkeeping positions might force coach Sotiris Sylaidopoulos to alter his strategies and rely heavily on the available squad.

Despite these challenges, Rio Ave have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, and their key players will need to rise to the occasion to compensate for these setbacks. The team’s collective effort will be crucial to navigate this tough fixture against Benfica.

Rio Ave Tactics and Formation

Rio Ave will potentially line up in a flexible formation designed to maximise their attacking prowess while attempting to shore up their porous defence.

Rio Ave Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Flexible, possibly a 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Clayton, their top scorer with 5 goals, leading the offensive attacks.
• Midfield Setup: Marios Vrousai and Giorgos Liavas provide dynamism in midfield, essential for both breaking opposition play and initiating their own.
• Defensive Strategy: Despite not having a clean sheet in their last five games, defenders like Jakub Brabec and Nelson Abbey will be crucial in trying to contain Benfica’s potent attack.
• Notable Strategy: Often scoring and conceding goals, Rio Ave’s matches typically see over 2.5 goals, reflecting an open and aggressive playing style.

This balanced yet aggressive approach aims to disrupt stronger opponents and seize any goal-scoring opportunities that come their way.

Benfica vs Rio Ave Head-to-Head Statistics

Analysing the last five encounters between Benfica and Rio Ave offers some insightful patterns. Benfica have generally dominated these matchups, winning four out of the last five meetings. Here are the results:

• Rio Ave 2 – 3 Benfica (16 March 2025)
• Benfica 5 – 0 Rio Ave (27 October 2024)
• Rio Ave 1 – 1 Benfica (17 May 2024)
• Benfica 4 – 1 Rio Ave (14 January 2024)
• Rio Ave 0 – 1 Benfica (2 April 2023)

Key Takeaways:

• Benfica’s Dominance: Benfica have won four of their last five encounters, showcasing their superiority.
• Goals Galore: These fixtures often see plenty of goals, with Benfica consistently scoring, including a stunning 5-0 win.
• Close Encounters: The most recent match ended 3-2 in Benfica’s favour, indicating potential for competitive matches.

This head-to-head history indicates that while Benfica have the upper hand, Rio Ave have occasionally managed to put up a fight, making for intriguing matchups.

Odds accurate as of 21/09/2025 20:15, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.