Prediction for match Rio Ave — Benfica, 17.01.2026

Match Analysis: Rio Ave vs Benfica

In the Primeira Liga on January 17, Rio Ave will face Benfica. The odds indicate a significant advantage for Benfica: their victory is priced at 1.33, with a 72.91% chance of success. A draw is offered at 5.43 with a 17.86% probability, while a win for Rio Ave is at 10.50 (9.23%). This disparity in betting odds is backed by the statistics from recent encounters between these teams. In the goal totals market, the over 2.5 goals bet stands out at 1.72, with both teams to score: yes at 2.03, no at 1.70. In additional markets, Benfica's individual total over 1.5 is priced at 1.43, and under 2.5 at 1.59. Double chance options are: X2 - 1.04, 1X - 3.50, 12 - 1.17. Overall, bookmakers expect a high-scoring match with a clear advantage for Benfica, but they do not rule out goals from Rio Ave.

Team Results and Statistics

In their last three matches, Rio Ave played as follows: January 4 - Rio Ave vs Casa Pia - 3-1, December 28 - Sporting Lisbon vs Rio Ave - 4-0, December 20 - Gil Vicente vs Rio Ave - 2-2. Benfica's last three games were: January 14 - Porto vs Benfica - 1-0, January 3 - Benfica vs Estoril - 3-1, December 28 - Braga vs Benfica - 2-2. In their head-to-head on September 23, 2025, Benfica and Rio Ave drew 1-1. Additional statistics show that over a five-match span, Rio Ave had an average possession of 49.2%, with 3.2 yellow cards, 12.6 fouls, and 2.2 offsides per game. Benfica, over the same period, had 54.8% possession, received 2 yellow cards, committed 11 fouls, and had 1.2 offsides. These stats highlight Benfica's more disciplined play and slightly higher foul activity from Rio Ave.

How Many Goals Will Be Scored in the Rio Ave vs Benfica Match

In their last five matches, Rio Ave has an average total of 3.2 goals, while Benfica's is 2.4. Rio Ave scores an average of 1.4 and concedes 1.8, while Benfica scores 1.6 and concedes 0.8. For the over 2.5 goals market, 4 out of 5 Rio Ave games ended over, and 2 out of 5 for Benfica. By halves, only 1 out of 5 Rio Ave matches had over 1.5 in the first half, but 4 out of 5 in the second half. For Benfica, 3 out of 5 first halves were over 1.5, with all 5 second halves under 1.5. In terms of scoring intervals, Rio Ave most often scores between 46-60 minutes (40%), while Benfica scores between 31-45 minutes (71%). For conceded goals, Rio Ave's key intervals are 31-45 and 76-90 minutes (33% each), while Benfica's are 16-30 and 46-60 minutes (33% each). Overall, the statistics for both teams regarding totals and halves support a bet on over 2.5 goals at 1.72, considering Rio Ave's recent high-scoring matches and Benfica's consistent attack. While Benfica defends well, Rio Ave is capable of scoring, especially in the second half.

Analysis of Corner Totals

Rio Ave averages 5.6 corners per match, while Benfica averages 6. For the over 9.5 corners market, 4 out of 5 Rio Ave games ended over, and 3 out of 5 for Benfica. The closest total to their averages is 11.5, with two outcomes: over 11.5 corners at 2.92, under 11.5 at 1.31. In the corners market, Benfica is favored at 1.17. Given the high activity of both teams in taking corners, a bet on over 11.5 corners is logical, but the odds for under seem more reliable. It's also worth noting that Rio Ave commits more fouls and receives more yellow cards, which could lead to additional set pieces and, consequently, more corners.