Benfica travels to Estádio do Rio Ave Futebol Clube on March 16, 2025, for a Primeira Liga showdown, and all signs point to an away victory. With odds of 1.39 for a Benfica win, the bookmakers are clearly siding with the Eagles. Meanwhile, Rio Ave sits at 7.4 to pull off an upset, and a draw is priced at 4.95.
Benfica travels to Estádio do Rio Ave Futebol Clube on March 16, 2025, for a Primeira Liga showdown, and all signs point to an away victory. With odds of 1.39 for a Benfica win, the bookmakers are clearly siding with the Eagles. Meanwhile, Rio Ave sits at 7.4 to pull off an upset, and a draw is priced at 4.95.

Looking at the numbers, Benfica’s squad value of €341.20m dwarfs Rio Ave’s €35.53m, highlighting the gulf in quality. The visitors are expected to dominate possession (62% vs. 38%) and outshoot their hosts (19 to 8 in total shots, with 8 to 2 on target). The predicted scoreline? 1-2 in favor of Benfica, with a 0-1 halftime lead.

Now, let’s talk betting. Our best tip for this match is a Benfica win (2) with a confidence level of 5.9/10. If you’re looking for a safer angle, consider the under 3.5 goals market, which has a 3.8 confidence rating and odds of 1.5. Despite Benfica’s firepower, the stats suggest a controlled affair rather than a goal-fest.

Historically, home teams in the Primeira Liga have won 43.7% of matches, but away sides still claim victory 32.0% of the time. Interestingly, 48.4% of games see both teams scoring, which aligns with our 1-2 prediction. Their last head-to-head meeting ended 1-1, but Benfica will be eager to break that deadlock this time.

Rio Ave did shock FC Porto recently with a 2-2 draw, proving they can punch above their weight. However, Benfica has pulled off surprises of their own, like their famous 1-0 away win over Ajax in 2022.

Expect a professional Benfica performance, plenty of possession, and a likely away win. If you’re placing a bet, backing Benfica to win looks like the smartest move.