Benfica – Rio Ave

Benfica head into the fixture as clear favourites, sitting second in the league with 16 points from six games – five wins and a draw, and an impressive 21‑4 goal difference. Their opponents, Rio Ave, languish at the foot of the table in 16th place, having managed only three points from a solitary victory and a bleak 2‑11 deficit. The contrast in form is stark, with Benfica unbeaten while Rio Ave have yet to earn a point from a draw. A win for the home side would solidify their push for the top spots, whereas a slip‑up could give the struggling visitors a lifeline in the relegation battle.