Braga look well-placed to continue their strong league form after a commanding 4-0 win last weekend. Therefore, we predict that they will defeat Rio Ave 3-1 on Matchday 21. Braga's numbers at home are impressive: 2.67 goals scored per match, 0.67 conceded, and 2.33 points per game. Even with Barisic and Gorby doubtful, they boast a balanced statistical profile, producing 1.26 expected goals at home while allowing just 1.14 xGA. Across the last five matches, the Reds have won three and kept clean sheets in 50% overall.
Rio Ave, meanwhile, travel to Mintho Province after a poor run of four losses in five, highlighted by a heavy 3-0 defeat to Arouca. Defensive issues remain a constant problem—0 clean sheets all season and 2.40 goals conceded per away match. The suspension of defender Petrasso only deepens those concerns. Their away xGA sits at a worrying 1.91, suggesting Braga will create plenty.
Historically and statistically, Braga look far superior, especially considering Rio Ave’s low scoring record (just 1.00 goal per away game). Everything points toward a one-sided contest. As the Reds score freely and Rio Ave concede heavily, we are tempted to place our bets on Home Win, Over 2.5 goals and Braga Over 1.5.
This Portugal Primeira Liga match will be played on Sunday 8 February 2026 at 18:00.
What is our Braga vs Rio Ave prediction?
Our prediction for this match: Braga 3 - 1 Rio Ave
Braga vs Rio Ave Betting Tips
- Correct Score: 3-1
- Both Teams To Score (BTTS): Yes
- Over / Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
- Over / Under 1.5 Goals: Over 1.5 Goals
- Anytime Goalscorer: Pau Victor @ -138 Odds
- First Goalscorer: Pau Victor @ 300 Odds
- Asian Handicap: Rio Ave +2 @ -149 Odds
- Shots on Target (Home): Over 7.5
- Shots on Target (Away): Over 2.5
- Shots on Target (Total): Over 9.5
- Total Corners: 9 - 11 @ 162 Odds
- Double Chance: 12 @ -900 Odds
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View OfferBraga Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | wwwdw | 1.80 |
| Home | dww | 2.33 |
| Away | llwdw | 1.57 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 50% | 67% | 43% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 3.10 | 3.33 | 3.00 |
| Scored | 2.10 | 2.67 | 1.86 |
| Conceded | 1.00 | 0.67 | 1.14 |
| BTTS | 50% | 33% | 57% |
| Clean Sheets | 50% | 67% | 43% |
| Failed to Score | 10% | 0% | 14% |
| Expected Goals | 1.40 | 1.26 | 1.46 |
| Expected Goals Against | 1.10 | 1.14 | 1.08 |
Rio Ave Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | lwlll | 0.90 |
| Home | dlwll | 0.80 |
| Away | dwdll | 1.00 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 20% | 20% | 20% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.90 | 2.40 | 3.40 |
| Scored | 0.90 | 0.80 | 1.00 |
| Conceded | 2.00 | 1.60 | 2.40 |
| BTTS | 50% | 40% | 60% |
| Clean Sheets | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Failed to Score | 50% | 60% | 40% |
| Expected Goals | 1.04 | 0.98 | 1.10 |
| Expected Goals Against | 1.85 | 1.79 | 1.91 |
Braga vs Rio Ave Head to Head Statistics (H2H)
Braga (43%)
37 Matches
Rio Ave (24%)
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