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Sporting CP Lisbon vs Rio Ave Report
Sporting clocked up a third successive 1-0 home victory as Ricardo Sá Pinto's coaching career at Sporting continues to start well.
The Lions put in their best performance so far under the new coach. Marat Izmailov's spectacular curling shot from long-range shortly before half time proved the winner, but Sporting deserved more from a fine opening 45 minutes in which they attacked with a verve and incisiveness not seen in recent weeks.
Rio Ave had their chances, with João Tomás shooting just wide on 44 minutes and Cristian Atsu firing a low effort narrowly past the post late on, but Sporting held on for the three points to keep their hopes of qualifying for Champions League football alive.
Sporting CP Lisbon vs Rio Ave Preview
Sporting will look to continue their steady if unspectacular recovery at home to Rio Ave on Sunday afternoon.
The three matches played by the Lions since Sá Pinto became the new coach has seen Sporting make progress in the Europa League and get back to winning ways in the Liga ZON Sagres, albeit with far from convincing performances. “Positive results bring joy. With each game that passes we are more confident and we are improving. The players have been fantastic,” said Pinto ahead of the Rio Ave clash.
Sporting go into the match without first-choice goalkeeper Rui Patrício, who suffered a knee injury against Legia Warsaw on Thursday and has not been included in the squad.
FC Porto vs Rio Ave Report
A goal in each half from James Rodríguez gave FC Porto victory over struggling Rio Ave at a rainy Estádio do Dragão tonight.
The hosts were dealt a big blow on the half hour mark as Brazilian superstar Hulk pulled a muscle in his right leg and had to be substituted by Kléber. Rio Ave looked to take advantage, but Helton was alert to Kelvin's powerful cross-shot.
In the 42nd minute Colombian midfielder James showed fantastic skill and awareness to trick his way past his marker and shoot low into the net from a tight angle.
Yazalde missed a golden chance to equalise for Rio Ave shortly after the break.
FC Porto vs Rio Ave Preview
FC Porto go into Saturday evening’s match at home to Rio Ave in an unusual position for them - not at the top of the league looking downwards.
After over five hundred days sitting atop the Liga ZON Sagres, the draw at Sporting last weekend allowed Benfica to pull two points clear of the Dragons at the summit. Not that coach Vítor Pereira is hitting the panic button just yet. “Of course we are not happy to be in this position, but it doesn’t change the way we go about our work. The players have given a good response in training this week,” said Pereira.
“It’s only two points, it’s true, but I’d obviously prefer to be two points ahead rather than two points behind. This is not a normal position for us and we want to reclaim first place as soon as possible. A team like ours want to always be in first place.”
Benfica vs Rio Ave Report
Benfica go into the Christmas break in good heart after a thumping 5-1 victory at home to Rio Ave.
The hosts were given a fright when Christian Atsu put Rio Ave ahead in the 24th minute with a low shot from the edge of the box with the outside of his left foot that sped past Artur. Benfica reacted in devastating fashion, scoring three goals before the break.
In the 34th minute Cardozo thundered a penalty past Huanderson to level the scores, and almost immediately Nolito put the Eagles into the lead. The Spaniard ended a jinking run with a successful shot from the tightest of angles.
Nolito and Aimar then combined to set up Saviola to make it 3-1 just before the half-time whistle.
Benfica vs Rio Ave Preview
Benfica will aim to finish 2011 on a high as the Lisbon club host Rio Ave in the Liga ZON Sagres in their last game before the Christmas break.
The Eagles have not been performing at their best of late, but have been picking up the results to keep them joint top of the league, alongside FC Porto. The last-gasp victory at high-flying Marítimo in the last round was the sort of win one usually associates with championship winning sides, and with Porto to visit the Luz in the second half of the season, Benfica will feel they are handily placed to repeat their 2009/10 triumph.
But first the Eagles must make sure there is no hiccup against struggling Rio Ave. Only two teams separate Carlos Brito's team from the bottom of the table, but 4 wins in their last 7 matches suggests Rio Ave are starting to find some form after a nightmare start to the season.