Rio Ave Vs Estrela Amadora

Rio Ave aims to halt their recent downturn as they host Estrela Amadora at Estádio dos Arcos, with both teams eager to secure their Primeira Liga status in the season's final stretch.

With only three matches remaining, Rio Ave stands on the cusp of mathematical safety, while Estrela Amadora continues to navigate the relegation battle cautiously.

Last weekend, Rio Ave suffered a 3-0 defeat to Vitória de Guimarães, undermining the momentum from their previous two games. This loss marked their second consecutive defeat, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities despite a brief resurgence that included a win over Moreirense and a draw with Santa Clara.

Despite these setbacks, Rio Ave's position is bolstered by AVS's recent 6-0 loss to Benfica, which has virtually ensured Rio Ave's place in the top flight for next season, pending mathematical confirmation.

Offensively, Rio Ave has struggled, netting only 33 goals this season. Defensively, they've conceded 52 goals, the highest among teams not in the relegation playoff zone. Manager Petit has expressed a desire to surpass last season's 37-point tally; currently at 33 points in 13th place, a draw would suffice to eliminate any lingering doubts about their safety, while a win would significantly aid in achieving their target.

However, Rio Ave faces challenges against Estrela Amadora, having failed to secure a victory in their last three encounters, including a 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture last December. Additionally, their home form has been concerning, with no wins in their last three league matches at Estádio dos Arcos, suffering two defeats—more than in their previous 12 home games.

Conversely, Estrela Amadora delivered one of their most confident performances last weekend, defeating Porto 2-0 and ending a two-game losing streak. This victory was only their second in six matches, both achieved with clean sheets, underscoring their reliance on narrow margins; they failed to score in the four losses during this period.

Currently, Estrela Amadora sits five points above the relegation playoff spot, having accumulated 29 points from eight wins, nine draws, and 14 losses. Their offensive struggles are evident, with just 24 goals scored—the fewest among teams above the drop zone.

On the road, Estrela Amadora has shown improvement, securing two wins in their last five away league matches, a notable uptick from their previous ten away games without a victory. A win in this fixture would not only bring them closer to safety but also mark their first double over Rio Ave in this matchup.