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.
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.
