Benfica vs Rio Ave Lineups and Timeline: Full Match Preview, Injuries, Head-to-Head Record, and What to Expect
Benfica welcome Rio Ave to Estádio da Luz on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, in a Primeira Liga showdown that promises high drama. The clash has generated huge anticipation as fans search for the latest Benfica vs Rio Ave lineups and timeline, injury updates, and tactical insights. With Benfica aiming to strengthen their league position and Rio Ave fighting for much-needed points, this fixture carries weight for both sides.
Benfica Starting XI and Injury Concerns
Roger Schmidt’s Benfica are expected to deploy their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. The team sheet underlines balance between experienced defenders, dynamic midfielders, and attacking firepower.
Benfica Expected Starting XI
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Anatoliy Trubin | First-choice between the posts |
| Right Back | Amar Dedic | Quick overlapping runs |
| Centre Back | Antonio Silva | Reliable young defender |
| Centre Back | Nicolás Otamendi | Veteran leadership |
| Left Back | Samuel Dahl | Provides width |
| Midfield Pivot | Enzo Barrenechea | Ball-winning ability |
| Midfield Pivot | Richard Ríos | Distribution from deep |
| Right Midfield | Fredrik Aursnes | Tactical discipline |
| Central Midfield | Georgiy Sudakov | Creative playmaker |
| Left Midfield | Franjo Ivanovic | Threat in wide areas |
| Striker | Vangelis Pavlidis | Leading the line |
Unavailable players:
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Bruma (injury)
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Manu Silva (injury)
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Alexander Bah (injury)
Rio Ave Predicted Lineup and Squad Issues
Luís Freire’s Rio Ave are likely to respond with a 3-4-3 setup designed to add extra cover in defense while maintaining counterattacking options.
Rio Ave Predicted XI
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Cezary Miszta | Key shot-stopper |
| Centre Back | Jonathan Panzo | Strong aerial presence |
| Centre Back | Jakub Brabec | Defensive organizer |
| Centre Back | Francisco Petrasso | Composure under pressure |
| Right Midfield | Marios Vrousai | Adds creativity |
| Central Midfield | Andreas-Richardos Ntoi | Anchor in midfield |
| Central Midfield | Brandon Aguilera | Energetic engine |
| Left Midfield | Omar Richards | Defensive cover and width |
| Forward | Ole Pohlmann | Direct attacking outlet |
| Forward | Marc Gual | Physical presence in attack |
| Forward | Dario Spikic | Finishing ability |
Unavailable players:
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Alfonso Pastor (injury)
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Theofanis Bakoulas (injury)
Recent Form and Match Timeline Expectations
Benfica Recent Matches
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Defeated AVS 3-0, with Sudakov, Pavlidis, and Ivanovic on target.
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Suffered a Champions League setback against Qarabag at home.
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Held to a draw by Santa Clara in the league.
Rio Ave Recent Matches
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Early-season draws that showed promise.
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Consecutive losses leaving the team in the lower half of the table.
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Struggled to hold onto leads in crucial matches.
Expected Timeline Highlights
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First 15 minutes: Benfica pressing high, looking for an early goal.
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Midfield battle: Ríos and Barrenechea vs Ntoi and Aguilera could decide momentum.
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Final half-hour: Substitutions from both sides likely to tilt attacking patterns.
Head-to-Head Record and History
Benfica have been dominant against Rio Ave in the Primeira Liga over the past decade.
Head-to-Head in Last 15 Meetings
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Benfica wins: 14
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Draws: 1
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Rio Ave wins: 0
Last season Benfica beat Rio Ave 5-0 at Estádio da Luz and 3-2 away from home, confirming their superiority in recent encounters.
Who Scored in Last Benfica vs Rio Ave Match
The last meeting ended with Benfica cruising to a 5-0 home victory. Goals came from a mix of attacking stars and midfield contributors, showcasing the depth and versatility of their squad.
Benfica vs Rio Ave Injuries
Both clubs enter this clash missing important players. Benfica’s absence of Bruma and Bah weakens their wide options, while Rio Ave are without goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor and forward Bakoulas, impacting both ends of the pitch.
Benfica vs Rio Ave Tactics
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Benfica approach: Use width and overlapping runs from Dedic and Dahl to create chances for Pavlidis, with Sudakov orchestrating play centrally.
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Rio Ave approach: Defend deep in a compact back three, rely on Richards and Vrousai to transition quickly, and look to Gual and Spikic for counterattacking goals.
Where to Watch Benfica vs Rio Ave Live
Fans around the world can follow Benfica vs Rio Ave live through official broadcasters of the Primeira Liga. In Portugal, major sports networks will provide full coverage, while international viewers can check streaming platforms carrying Portuguese football.
Benfica Upcoming Fixtures
Following the Rio Ave clash, Benfica will face a challenging run:
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Champions League group stage matches, including a must-win home game.
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Key domestic ties against mid-table rivals.
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An October showdown against Porto, which could shape the title race.
Rio Ave Current Coach
Rio Ave are currently led by manager Luís Freire, who continues to focus on youth integration and defensive resilience. Despite recent struggles, Freire has been credited with instilling discipline and tactical adaptability in the squad.
Prediction
Based on lineups, form, and head-to-head record, Benfica are overwhelming favorites. A result similar to their 3-0 victory over AVS is likely, with Pavlidis and Sudakov expected to be decisive.
Final Prediction: Benfica 3-0 Rio Ave
