Rio Ave FC vs Sporting CP: match statistics
Rio Ave FC vs Sporting CP: form, goals and key statistics
Key match information
Rio Ave FC played Sporting CP in Liga NOS (Portugal). The match was played on 28 August 2026. Venue: Estádio do Rio Ave Futebol Clube. Final score: 0:4.
Current form
Rio Ave FC: 1-0-2, 1.00 points/match. Sporting CP: 2-1-0, 2.33 points/match.
Goal statistics
Rio Ave FC scores 0.67 and concedes 1.00 goals per match. Sporting CP scores 2.67 and concedes 1.67. League average: 2.79 goals.
BTTS / Over / Under
BTTS: Rio Ave FC 0%, Sporting CP 100%. Over 2.5: Rio Ave FC 0%, Sporting CP 100%. League level: BTTS 42%, Over 2.5 46%.
xG, shots and style
Sporting CP has higher xG: 1.46 vs 0.83. Rio Ave FC: 7.3 shots per match, Sporting CP: 11.7.
Match halves
Rio Ave FC: half-time lead 33%, second-half goals 0.33. Sporting CP: half-time lead 67%, second-half goals 1.33.
Goals by minute
Rio Ave FC: 0-15 (1 goals). Sporting CP: 46-60 (4 goals). This is historical distribution, not a predicted goal minute.
League context
Liga Portugal: 2.79 goals per match, BTTS 42%, Over 2.5 46%.
Head-to-head
Before this fixture, 2 previous H2H matches were available: 0-0-2. Average goals 4.50, BTTS 50%.
Archived pre-match analysis
This analysis was prepared before kick-off. The conclusions use only information available before the match and do not include the final result or post-match statistics.
General match analysis
Sporting CP sit 2nd and remain unbeaten in the league, collecting 13 points from their last five matches thanks to 4 wins and a draw. The visitors have scored 14 goals during this period, while Rio Ave have managed just 4 and lost 3 of their last 5 games. Away from home, Sporting create chances worth 1.85 xG per match and average 8 shots on target, clearly outperforming Rio Ave, who average just 1 shot on target at home and have yet to score. The hosts lost their only home match so far 0:2, while their defence allows opponents 1.65 xG, which, given Sporting CP’s attacking quality, points towards an away win. Rio Ave’s chances are further reduced by the fact that they have yet to keep a clean sheet at home, although Sporting also concede an average of 2 goals away from home, making it too risky to completely rule out a draw.
View the statistical overviewBTTS - will both teams score?
The seasonal data for both teams strongly support goals at both ends: Rio Ave and Sporting have a BTTS rate of 100%, and neither side has kept a clean sheet yet. Sporting are clearly more dangerous in attack, averaging 2.0 goals, generating an xG of 1.85, and recording 8.0 shots on target, while Rio Ave concede an average of 1.5 goals. However, the hosts have shown weaker recent attacking form, scoring just 0.8 goals and generating an xG of 0.92 across their last 5 matches, which reduces confidence in them finding the net. On the other hand, Sporting have allowed opponents an xG of 0.87 and conceded 1.2 goals per match in this run, while Rio Ave have scored in 4 of their last 5 matches. BTTS - Yes is therefore slightly preferred, although the edge over the No Goal scenario, in which at least one team fails to score, is not significant.
View BTTS statisticsOver/Under - goals analysis
Sporting are in excellent form, scoring 2.8 goals per game across their last five matches, with 1.60 xG, while Rio Ave allowed opponents 1.83 xG during this period. However, the hosts have a clear offensive problem: they have scored just 4 goals in their last five matches, averaging 0.8, with their xG standing at only 0.92. Sporting’s defense looks more solid, as the team conceded an average of 1.2 goals in their last five appearances and allowed opponents just 0.87 xG. Early-season data for both teams points to 100% of matches finishing Over 3.5 goals, but Rio Ave’s current form significantly reduces the chances of four goals being scored. The projected total of 2.60 goals gives the strongest edge to the Under 3.5 goals market.
View Over/Under statisticsHT/FT - half-time and full-time scenario
Sporting are clearly stronger in terms of current form: over their last five matches, they averaged 2.8 goals, won 80% of their games and remained unbeaten, while Rio Ave scored just 0.8 goals on average and lost 60% of their matches. The visitors were leading at the break in three of their last five games and conceded no first-half goals in those matches, whereas Rio Ave were behind at half-time in three of their last five fixtures. Sporting’s advantage is also evident in chance creation: their average xG stands at 1.85 compared with the hosts’ 1.27, while shots on target average 8.0 versus 5.0. After the break, Sporting have recently averaged 1.8 goals, compared with just 0.4 for Rio Ave, reinforcing the scenario of maintaining or extending their lead. Although the hosts recorded very strong early home results, these are based on just two matches; therefore, the stronger signal is an away win for Sporting both at half-time and at full-time: HT/FT 2/2.
View first-half and second-half statisticsHalf-by-half
Match statistics
Pre-match profile— what do the season numbers say?
This is a team profile based on season data and form. Match-flow statistics are shown only after the fixture is played.
Team stats— who is more efficient?
Attack and defence comparison for both teams in the current season.
Shooting quality
| Rio Ave FC | Sporting CP | |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy (shots on target) | 27% | 51% |
| Chance quality (xG per shot) | 0.11 | 0.13 |
| Finishing (goals per shot on target) | 0.34 | 0.45 |
xG per shot around 0.08 usually means long-range attempts; 0.15+ usually means box chances. The style label comes from possession, shot volume and conversion.
* xG (expected goals) says how many goals a team should score from its chances. If actual goals are above xG, finishing is above average; if below xG, chances are being missed.
Team form— who is in better shape?
Last five matches and season record, overall and split by home and away matches.
Sporting CP is 133% better for: last-5 form.
1 pts / match - Rio Ave FC · 2.33 pts / match - Sporting CP
Goals— how do both teams score and concede?
How many goals both teams score and concede, plus how often they keep a clean sheet or fail to score.
Sporting CP is 299% better for: goals scored per match.
0.67 goals / match - Rio Ave FC · 2.67 goals / match - Sporting CP
Rio Ave FC is 67% better for: goals conceded per match.
1 goals / match - Rio Ave FC · 1.67 goals / match - Sporting CP
Rio Ave FC scores in 33% of matches (1 of 3 matches), while Sporting CP keeps a clean sheet in 0% (0 of 3 matches).
Sporting CP scores in 100% of matches (3 of 3 matches), while Rio Ave FC keeps a clean sheet in 33% (1 of 3 matches).
How often they score at least...
How often they concede at least...
* Statistics include both teams' home and away matches in the current season.
Both teams scored (BTTS)— how often do both teams score?
How often both teams' matches have goals on both sides, compared with the league average.
Goal patterns
BTTS and goal count
Goal count (Over/Under)— how often do these matches cross the goal lines?
How often matches involving these teams clear goal thresholds, in the full match and in each half.
Full match - team comparison (Over)
Over / Under - Rio Ave FC
Over / Under - Sporting CP
1st half
2nd half
Match halves— when do the teams score more often?
How teams split performance between first and second half: goals, points, clean sheets and half-time state.
Sporting CP is 75% better for: first-half form (half-time points).
1.33 pts / match - Rio Ave FC · 2.33 pts / match - Sporting CP
Before half-time (1st half)
After half-time (2nd half)
Rio Ave FC - second-half results
Leads at half-time in 33% of matches and wins 33%. Also wins matches without a half-time lead.
Concedes 0.3 more goals per match after half-time - defensive level drops in the second half.
Sporting CP - second-half results
Leads at half-time in 67% of matches and wins 67%. Also wins matches without a half-time lead.
Concedes 1.7 more goals per match after half-time - defensive level drops in the second half.
| 1st half | 2nd half | |
|---|---|---|
| Points per match | 1.33 | 1.00 |
| Goals scored / match | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Goals conceded / match | 0.3 | 0.7 |
| Average goals in match | 0.7 | 1.0 |
| 1 goal | 67% | 100% |
| 2 goals | 0% | 0% |
| 3 goals | 0% | 0% |
| Clean sheet | 67% | 33% |
| No goal | 67% | 67% |
| Goal difference | 0 | -1 |
| 1st half | 2nd half | |
|---|---|---|
| Points per match | 2.33 | 1.33 |
| Goals scored / match | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| Goals conceded / match | 0.0 | 1.7 |
| Average goals in match | 1.3 | 3.0 |
| 1 goal | 67% | 100% |
| 2 goals | 33% | 100% |
| 3 goals | 33% | 67% |
| Clean sheet | 100% | 0% |
| No goal | 33% | 33% |
| Goal difference | +4 | -1 |
* Colours in tables show event frequency: green is common, yellow is moderate, red is rare. It is frequency, not a team rating.
Goals by minute— when do goals arrive?
Match phases in which both teams most often score and concede.
Most dangerous in minutes 0-15 (1 goal). Concedes most in 76-90 (2). Late-goal balance (76-90): -2 - late phases are a weakness.
Most dangerous in minutes 46-60 (4 goals). Concedes most in 61-75 (3). Late-goal balance (76-90): -2 - late phases are a weakness.
* Buckets 31-45 and 76-90 include added-time goals.
Additional team indicators— what do xG, efficiency and form show?
A comparison of chance quality, results and trends based on completed matches from the current season.
Match profile
Rio Ave FC
Sporting CP
* The estimated goal total and split, BTTS estimate, 0:0 risk and goal range are calculated from public season averages and frequencies for both teams. This is a statistical match profile, not a private model prediction or betting pick. The remaining indicators describe completed matches from the season.
League context— is this a high-scoring league?
How both teams compare with league-wide averages (Liga Portugal).
Teams vs league
| Rio Ave FC | Liga | Sporting CP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average goals in match | ▼ 1.67 | 2.79 | ▲ 4.33 |
| Both teams scored | ▼ 0% | 42% | ▲ 100% |
| Min. 3 goals (Over 2.5) | ▼ 0% | 46% | ▲ 100% |
| Clean sheets | ▲ 33% | 29% | ▼ 0% |
| Goal before half-time | ▼ 67% | 71% | ▼ 67% |
| Goal after half-time | ▲ 100% | 75% | ▲ 100% |
^ green = above league average, ˇ red = below league average. This shows direction of the gap, not a team rating.
Lineups and player events
Verified starters, substitutes and recorded player events for this match.
Home team
Starting lineup
Substitutes
Away team
Starting lineup
Substitutes
Match timeline
Goals, cards and substitutions arranged in chronological order.
Referee and managers
Open their season profiles to compare match records, goals and disciplinary trends.
Head-to-head
Recent meetings (2): Rio Ave FC 0 - 0 - 2 Sporting CP. Average goals 4.50, both teams scored in 50% matches.
FAQ
What was the result of Rio Ave FC vs Sporting CP?
The Liga NOS match finished Rio Ave FC 0:4 Sporting CP. Full match statistics, the half-by-half breakdown and head-to-head are on this page.
What is the head-to-head record between Rio Ave FC and Sporting CP?
In the last 2 head-to-head matches Rio Ave FC won 0, Sporting CP won 2 and 0 ended level. These games averaged 4.50 goals, with both teams scoring in 50% of them.
What do the goal statistics show before Rio Ave FC vs Sporting CP?
Rio Ave FC score 0.67 goals per game on average and Sporting CP 2.67. The Liga NOS average is 2.79 goals, with Over 2.5 landing in 46% of games. Both teams score in 0% of Rio Ave FC's matches and 100% of Sporting CP's.
What form are Rio Ave FC and Sporting CP in?
Over the last 5 games Rio Ave FC have a 1-0-2 record (1.00 points per game) and Sporting CP 2-1-0 (2.33 points per game).
Where can I find a betting tip and analysis for Rio Ave FC vs Sporting CP?
This page shows the full statistical context — form, head-to-head, goals, BTTS and Over/Under. The tip, value assessment and full reasoning are in the NoFluffPicks app.