Sporting turned the score around and leads 2-1 against Rio Ave. The match reached half-time this Monday. The lions are looking for important points in the fight for second place in Primeira Liga. Rio Ave has already guaranteed its stay in the competition.
The game takes place on Estádio of Arcos, on Vila of Conde. Sporting is pushing for victory away from home. A defeat combined with the result of Benfica could complicate the fight for position. Rio Ave operates with the support of the local fans.
Sporting reacts and turns the score around in the first half
Rio Ave opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Diogo Bezerra finished a quick counterattack. Tamble made the pass on the right. Sporting balanced the actions after the goal conceded.
Luis Suárez equalized after 35 minutes. The Colombian took the penalty with precision. Miszta fell the wrong way. The move generated protests from the home team. Petrasso received a yellow card in the play.
Auto goal from Gustavo Mancha gives visitors the advantage
Gustavo Mancha scored an own goal in the 42nd minute. Ele attempted to return pass to Miszta. The ball entered his own net. Sporting took the lead 2-1. The move defined the break.
Diomande and Suárez received yellow cards. Suárez felt physical discomfort at times. Ele received assistance on the field. The Colombian continued in action.
Rio Ave 1×0 Sporting
— Sporting Leão (@scp_1906_) May 11, 2026
⚽️ Diogo Bezerra
🥾 Tamblé Monteiro pic.twitter.com/NxlRZkpXmq
Initial Escalação and changes from Rui Borges
Rio Ave entered with Cezary Miszta in goal. The defense had Marious Vrousai, Gustavo Mancha, Petrasso and Nelson Abbey. The middle featured Ryan, Tamás Nikitscher and Diogo Bezerra.
The Rio Ave attack had Jalen Blesa, Dario Spikic and Tamble Monteiro. Nenhuma change from the previous game.
Sporting lined up Rui Silva in goal. The defense had Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande and Gonçalo Inácio. Maxi Araújo played on the wing.
In the middle, Hidemasa Morita, Daniel Bragança and Luis Guilherme. Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves and Luis Suárez formed the attack. Rui Borges promoted two exchanges. Diomande and Luis Guilherme entered as starters.
- Diogo Bezerra opened the scoring in the 12th minute
- Luis Suárez equalized with a penalty in the 35th minute
- Gustavo Mancha scored an own goal in the 42nd minute
- Cartões yellow for Diogo Bezerra, Petrasso, Diomande and Suárez
- Quatro minutes of first half injury time
Linha from the time of the main moves until the break
Referee João Gonçalves whistled the start of the match.
Aos 5 minutes Tamble headed wide from Blesa’s cross.
Aos 7 minutes Pote finished well. The ball went close.
Aos 12 minutes Diogo Bezerra scored the first goal.
Aos 17 minutes Tamble missed a good chance. On the counterattack Suárez shot over the top.
Aos 28 minutes Spikic finished over the post.
Aos 33 minutes the referee awarded a penalty to Sporting. Suárez converted at 35.
Aos 42 minutes Mancha scored an own goal.
Aos 45+2 minutes Tamble submitted and Rui Silva saved.
Aos 45+4 minutes Spikic kicked out.
The break arrived with Sporting ahead.
Rio Ave presses at the beginning but suffers the turnaround
The home team dominated the first 20 minutes. Eles created several chances on counterattacks. Bezerra caused problems on the left side.
Sporting struggled to contain the fast transitions. Pedro Gonçalves and Pote searched for spaces. Trincão and Luis Guilherme appeared in individual plays.
Contexto of the table and importance of the game
Rio Ave occupies 12th position with 35 points. The team has already guaranteed its permanence at Primeira Liga.
Sporting has 76 points. The lions fight for second place with Benfica. A win keeps the chances alive. Benfica plays against Braga in the same round.
History favors Sporting. The team has not lost to Rio Ave in 13 games. In the first round Sporting won 1-0.
Detalhes of the referee and atmosphere in the stadium
João Gonçalves commands the match. Pedro Ribeiro and Miguel Martins act as assistants. Diogo Araújo is the fourth referee. Vasco Santos and Hugo Santos are in VAR.
Evangelos Marinakis, owner of Rio Ave, watches the game from the stands. Frederico Varandas, president of Sporting, is also present. The only stand in the stadium received a good crowd.
Sporting wore a black uniform. Rio Ave plays at home with the usual support.
The second half should start soon. The score remains 1-2. The match continues live on Primeira Liga.
