Primeira Liga· Season 2025
Match Summary
Sporting CP defeated Rio Ave 4:1. The match was played in Primeira Liga 2025. Goals were scored by Diogo Bezerra 12′, L. Suarez 35′ (pen.), Gustavo Mancha 42′ (o.g.), Trincao 66′, G. Quenda 90′. 7 yellow cards were shown, 2 red cards. Rio Ave had 36% possession while Sporting CP held 64%. Rio Ave had 12 shots (3 on target) compared to 16 (5 on target) for Sporting CP. Expected goals: Rio Ave 0.70 — Sporting CP 1.58. Rio Ave made 5 substitutions, Sporting CP made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Rio Ave and Sporting CP — 5 goals and 9 cards recorded during the match.
assist: T. Monteiro
Penalty
Own Goal
assist: O. Diomande
assist: M. Araujo
Match Statistics
Rio Ave had 36% possession against Sporting CP's 64%. Rio Ave registered 12 shots (3 on target) while Sporting CP managed 16 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 5–6. Fouls committed: 9–7.
Lineups
Rio Ave lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Sotiris Sylaidopoulos, while Sporting CP deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Rui Borges.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Rio Ave is 6.76, compared to 7.17 for Sporting CP. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Rio Ave's highest-rated starter is J. Blesa (7.30), while Sporting CP's best-rated player is G. Inacio (7.59).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Rio Ave have contributed 10 goals and 8 assists this season, led by J. Blesa (6G). Sporting CP's starters account for 65 goals and 39 assists, spearheaded by L. Suarez (28G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Rio Ave deploy 4 defenders rated 6.68 on average, against Sporting CP's 4-man backline averaging 7.21. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Rio Ave field 5 midfielders averaging 6.81, versus Sporting CP's 5 rated 7.11. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Rio Ave start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.61, compared to 1 for Sporting CP averaging 7.42. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 79% for Rio Ave and 87% for Sporting CP. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Rio Ave's starters have collected 36 yellow cards this season, compared to 41 for Sporting CP. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Rio Ave's starting XI is 24.1 (youngest: Gustavo Mancha (21), oldest: M. Vrousai (27)), while Sporting CP average 25.5 (youngest: Luis Guilherme (19), oldest: R. Silva (31)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Rio Ave's starters average 21 league appearances each, versus 25 for Sporting CP. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Sotiris Sylaidopoulos
Substitutes
Coach: Rui Borges
Rivalry since 2010
Rio Ave vs Sporting CP Head to Head Results· 34
Rio Ave and Sporting CP have met 34 times — Rio Ave won 5, Sporting CP won 23, with 6 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2010. Sporting CP leads the head-to-head with 23 victories from 34 meetings. A combined 92 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.71 per match (28 for the home side, 64 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 16 matches (47%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 17 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Sporting CP are currently unbeaten in the last 13 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–2 in 2018.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Rio Ave have recorded 1 win, 2 draws and 3 defeats. Sporting CP show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss from their last 6 outings.
Match Prediction
Statistical tip
Winner: Sporting CP
Bookmaker Odds
Best price
Rio Ave
16.00
1xBet
Draw
8.65
1xBet
Sporting CP
1.22
Betano
Betting Odds & Historical Data
Opening pre-match odds recorded for this fixture at the time it was played. These are historical figures for analytical reference only and do not reflect any current market.
Historical data only — not for betting
This data is sourced from football-data.co.uk and covers historical match results and pre-match odds. These figures do not represent current or live odds and cannot be used for placing bets. Betting is not possible on this website. Provided for analytical and research purposes only.
Home Record / Away Record
Aggregated season statistics from all available historical data. Use these to assess each team's overall form, scoring frequency, and tendency for high-scoring matches.
Home Record: Rio Ave
Away Record: Sporting CP
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Data: football-data.co.uk
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 17 May 2026