Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
Rio Ave
Match Time & Date:
02/04/2023
10:00 AM
Prediction: 1-3
Benfica
Benfica will be aiming to clinch top position in the standings when they face Rio Ave in the Primeira Liga round 26. The Eagles have been flying high of late, and they must be brimming with confidence following a routine 5-1 win over Guimaraes. The league leaders are on the right track to regain the trophy, but they can’t afford any complacency in the season finale. Norway international Fredrik Aursnes is back from suspension, while Goncalo Guedes remains in the recovery room. Experienced midfielder Julian Draxler is a major doubt.
The hosts, on the other hand, aim to build on back-to-back wins over Gil Vicente and Santa Clara. Rio Ave are eager to move closer to the Conference League berth, but seeing that Benfica do not suit them, we do not believe that Luis Freire’s troops are capable of grabbing something from the match. Midfielder Joca should be the only absentee in the home team.
Highlighted Player (Alex Grimaldo):
Alex Grimaldo is a Spanish footballer who plays for Portuguese side Benfica as a left back. Born in Valencia on September 20, 1995, Grimaldo started his youth career at his hometown club FC Valencia, but in 2008 Barcelona scouts brought him to Camp Nou.
The 171-cm-tall footballer scored six goals in 92 appearances for Barca B before joining Primeira Liga club Benfica in the winter of 2015. Alex Grimaldo made his debut with the Eagles on January 26, 2016 in a 6-1 win at Moreirense in the Taca da Liga. Speaking of his Primeira Liga debut, Grimaldo played his first league game for Benfica on February 29, 2016 in a 2-0 win over Uniao Leiria.
The Benfica defender has two caps for Spain U21 team, but he has yet to make his debut with the senior team. His main position is left-back, but he is capable of producing fine performances as a left winger as well.
Highlighted Team (Rio Ave):
Nicknamed Rio Grande, Rio Ave are a Portuguese club that compete in Primeira Liga. Rio Ave were founded back in 1939 and they welcome their rivals at Estadio dos Arcos, the stadium which can hold up to 12,815 people.
The team’s home shirt is green with white stripes, whilst the colour of their shorts is green. Rio Ave wear white shirts and white shorts when playing on the travels. The club’s biggest success came in the 2014/2015 season when they represented Portugal in the Europa League group stages. Rio Ave finished the process in the last position in Group J, but they did well to record their first ever win in the competition, with the team beating Danish club Aalborg 2-0 at their Estadio do Rio Ave Futebol Clube.
Former Real Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao is considered one of the club’s most notable footballers. Manchester City first-choice goalkeeper Ederson played for Rio Ave in the past as well.
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