Rio Ave vs Benfica (20 December 2026, Primeira Liga): match facts, form and head-to-head

Rio Ave host a daunting Benfica side in what promises to be a stark contrast of fortunes, with the hosts languishing in 16th place on just three points from one win and four defeats, having scored only two goals while conceding eleven. Benfica sit comfortably in second, riding on 16 points from an unbeaten run of five victories and a draw, and boast a prolific 21‑4 goal difference. The gap between the two teams is evident not only in points but also in recent form, as Rio Ave have struggled to find the net while Benfica have been relentless in front of goal. A victory for the visitors would cement their push for the title, whereas the hosts will need a dramatic turnaround to avoid slipping further towards the relegation zone.