The Primeira Liga moves to the Estádio dos Arcos today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, as Benfica travels to Vila do Conde to face Rio Ave. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:30 local time (20:30 GMT / 15:30 ET).
This fixture marks a pivotal moment for José Mourinho, who is looking to steer Benfica back to winning ways following a difficult week that saw the Eagles suffer a 1–0 defeat to FC Porto in the Taça de Portugal.
Match Information
| Feature | Details |
| Competition | Liga Portugal (Matchday 18) |
| Date | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 20:30 GMT / 15:30 ET |
| Venue | Estádio do Rio Ave FC (Estádio dos Arcos) |
| Referee | Cláudio Pereira |
Benfica: The Mourinho Response
After taking over in September 2025, José Mourinho has largely revitalized Benfica, leading them to 3rd place with 39 points. However, the pressure has mounted following back-to-back losses in cup competitions and a recent league defeat to Braga. Mourinho’s priority today is to maintain Benfica’s unbeaten away record in the league (6 wins, 2 draws) and keep pace with leaders FC Porto.
Team News and Selection:
Captain Returns: Nicolás Otamendi is back in the starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension.
Injury Woes: Midfielder Richard Ríos is a major doubt after limping off in the previous match. Long-term absentees include Dodi Lukébakio (ankle), Alexander Bah (knee), and Bruma (Achilles).
Golden Boot Leader: Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis remains the league's top scorer with 17 goals and is the focal point of Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 system.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barrenechea, Manu; Prestianni, Barreiro, Sudakov; Pavlidis.
Rio Ave: Seeking Mid-Table Stability
Managed by Sotiris Sylaidopoulos, Rio Ave sits in 10th place with 20 points. While they have struggled for consistency, they are coming off a morale-boosting 3–1 victory over Casa Pia. The hosts typically employ a compact five-man defense at home, aiming to frustrate elite opposition through disciplined low-block defending and rapid counter-attacks.
Team News and Selection:
Absences: The hosts are without Omar Richards and Theofanis Bakoulas, both sidelined with knee injuries.
Key Player: Forward Clayton has been in sensational form, having been directly involved in 14 of Rio Ave's 22 league goals this season (10 goals, 4 assists).
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Miszta; Petrasso, Panzo, Abbey; Vrousai, Ntoi, Aguilera, Athanasiou; A. Luiz, Clayton, Pohlmann.
? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Reverse Fixture: The teams played to a 1–1 draw earlier this season, proving Rio Ave's ability to frustrate the Eagles.
Benfica Dominance: Historically, Benfica has won 29 of their last 36 meetings, with Rio Ave securing only two victories in that span.
Goals Predicted: There have been over 3.5 goals scored in three of Rio Ave’s last four matches, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities and offensive potential.
Clean Sheet Struggle: Rio Ave has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 competitive matches.
Match Prediction
While Rio Ave is solid at home and Clayton poses a genuine threat on the break, it is rare for a Mourinho-led side to go three matches without a victory. Expect Benfica to control possession and rely on the clinical finishing of Pavlidis to overcome a stubborn Rio Ave defense.
Final Score Prediction: Rio Ave 1–2 Benfica
